Wanted and Not

The mayor of New York  threatened to arrest the prime minister of Israel upon hid arrival in town. His argument was that Israel is perpetrating a genocide in Gaza against the civilian population, and that Binyamin Netanyahu is its architect. He was told in the press that he had no such power. How is it possible that his advisors would not be aware of the limits of power of the mayor of a city? Add to that that he had to make stuff up  – lie – to make his case for making a case, one thing is clear: He must have really wanted to be able to do it. That is, really wanted. 

    There was a report this week that families of those who were murdered on 9/11 are lobbying city officials and event organizers to prevent the mayor of New York City from attending the upcoming commemoration of the attack. The mayor is not invited. Unlike outlaws, he is not wanted.  There is a petition online, and it gives a rundown on why they feel he should not be allowed to attend. They are all about his affinity for radical Islam: statements he has made – and not made – and people he has supported. Not a word about Jews. Not a word about Israel. Not a word about Netanyahu. This is a clear rejection and condemnation of what this mayor has brought to the city as its highest official.  His position is consistent with those who carried out the attacks the very ceremony is coming to commemorate. Why would those who lost people want him there? 

     Actually, if Hizzonner is smart, he will take this as an out. He likely does not want to be there. Then he’ll have to look sad and all. Make a show of insisting on being there, “for the City”, and then decide not to be there, so as not to distract from the significance of the day. Isn’t he a good mayor, people will say.