Mamdani Condemns NYC Expo Promoting Property Sales in Israeli West Bank Settlements

May 5, 2026 - 22:21

A prominent academic has spoken out against a real estate expo in New York City that promotes property sales in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Mahmood Mamdani, a respected scholar and author, condemned the event, arguing that it normalizes what international law considers illegal activity. The expo, held in a Manhattan venue, featured developers and brokers offering housing in settlements that are built on land captured by Israel in 1967.

Mamdani's criticism comes amid a long history of controversy surrounding such expos. Past events in the United States and Europe have drawn accusations of promoting discrimination. Critics point out that these settlements are built on Palestinian land and often restrict access for non-Jewish buyers. Some previous expos have led to heated protests and even violent clashes between supporters and opponents. In one case, a similar event in a major U.S. city was shut down after activists stormed the venue, leading to arrests.

The debate over these expos highlights a broader tension. For advocates, they are a way for Jewish families to find affordable homes. For opponents, they are a direct endorsement of a system that many human rights groups label as apartheid. Mamdani's condemnation adds a powerful voice to the call for a boycott of such events, urging New Yorkers to reject any commercial activity that props up the occupation. The expo organizers have not commented on the criticism, but the event proceeded as scheduled.