In a post shared on Monday, Modi’s representatives said the comedian had not been informed in advance of the mayor’s involvement.
By Shula Rosen
Israeli-American comedian Modi Rosenfeld withdrew from a Passover event in Manhattan after learning that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani would be participating, according to a statement posted on his social media.
Rosenfeld, known professionally as Modi, had been scheduled to perform at the annual “Downtown Seder” at City Winery, a Passover-themed benefit for a nonprofit focused on peacebuilding.
The event is set to include a speech by Mamdani, as well as a performance by Israeli musician David Broza.
In a post shared Monday, Modi’s representatives said the comedian had not been informed in advance of Mamdani’s involvement.
“We were not aware Mamdani was participating until today. Modi will not be attending this evening,” the statement said.
Jewish Insider first reported that Mamdani would take part in the event, prompting Rosenfeld’s decision to withdraw.
Rosenfeld, who was born in Tel Aviv and moved to Woodmere, New York, at age 7, is known for his Jewish-themed comedy and has built a strong following among Jewish audiences.
Before entering comedy, he studied cantorial music at Yeshiva University’s Belz School of Music and later worked as an international banker at Merrill Lynch.
The Downtown Seder is held annually in Lower Manhattan and brings together public figures, performers, and community members for a Passover-themed gathering.
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