Meghan McCain defends U.S.-Israel alliance at AFMDA gala, denounces Mamdani remarks
McCain urges unity against antisemitism and political rancor while praising a strong US-Israel relationship
Meghan McCain on Tuesday night told an audience in Manhattan that the U.S.-Israel alliance remains incredibly strong even as antisemitism rises and political pressure from both parties grows. She accepted the Champion of Israel award from the American Friends of Magen David Adom at the organization’s New York City gala at Cipriani Wall Street.
During her acceptance speech, McCain criticized what she described as opposition to Israel and called out Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate, telling the crowd, 'Pray for this city' and calling him 'an animal.' The remarks drew applause. She noted that some pro-Israel Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, are hedging in different places.
Speaking to attendees, McCain said the opposition to Israel comes from both the left and the right, and she condemned it. She argued that the White House's ties to Jerusalem give her hope that the alliance is ironclad.
She credited her father, the late Sen. John McCain, and his relationship with the late Sen. Joe Lieberman for shaping her views. 'My father always understood the importance of the connection between America and Israel,' she said. She added that she and her husband Ben Domenech 'feel the same way' that Israel's cause is right.
McCain highlighted Magen David Adom's work, noting that MDA handles emergencies beyond the Red Cross, including disaster relief and blood services. On Oct. 7, 2023, MDA handled over 21,600 emergency calls—five times the typical Saturday volume—and dispatched 1,430 ambulances and hundreds of emergency motorcycles, three helicopters, and mass casualty response vehicles. Since the Israel-Hamas war began, 38 MDA personnel have died in service.
'If Israel were to lose its war — God forbid — the armies of darkness would march toward us here in America, too,' McCain warned in closing.
The gala, attended by first responders and supporters, underscored the broader debate over U.S. aid to Israel and the strength of the U.S.-Israel relationship at a time of rising antisemitism and domestic political polarization. While McCain framed the alliance as resilient, she also urged that both sides of the aisle confront what she called a destructive message from radical elements and ensure that support for Israel remains a bipartisan priority in Washington and in state capitals.
