New York Magazine accused of using HITLER font for 'anti-Semitic' special edition that infuriated many Jews by using phrase 'the land mass currently called Israel'

By WILL POTTER, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 21:15, 13 August 2026 | Updated: 21:16, 13 August 2026 New York Magazine is facing allegations of anti-Semitism and 'bigotry' after publishing an edition celebrating the 'diasporas of Palestinians, Iranians and Yemenis' in the Big Apple.  The magazine's latest edition, titled 'Habibi City', was intended to laud the diverse mix of Middle Eastern cultures in New York City, and praise their newfound 'cultural clout' under Mayor Zohran Mamdani.  But several articles in the magazine have come under scrutiny, including writers who allegedly erased Israeli and Jewish identities from their perspectives on the Middle East.  Journalist Jesse Brown also took to X to claim that the New York Magazine's cover used a font mimicking one commonly used in Nazi Germany.  The magazine's central article was also criticized for grouping Zionism - the belief that Israel has the right to exist - alongside Xenophobia and Islamophobia.  Meanwhile, an article about Middle Eastern restaurants by journalists Madeline Leung Coleman referred to the country as 'the land mass currently called Israel.' Leung repeatedly referenced what she called Israel's 'genocide' against the Palestinian people. She repeatedly mentioned October 7, but made no mention of the fact that the date saw the murder of 1,200 Jews at the hands of Hamas terrorists. The edition led to scathing backlash from some online, with former New York Magazine editor Mark Horowitz taking to X to condemn his former publication.  'Some of the best years of my life as a journalist were at (New York Mag). So the current cover package on Arab and Muslim New York, a package that couldn’t find a way to celebrate one part of the city without also denigrating and erasing another, made me too sad to comment,' Horowitz wrote. New York Magazine is facing allegations of anti-Semitism and 'bigotry' after publishing an edition celebrating the 'diasporas of Palestinians, Iranians and Yemenis' in the Big Apple Several articles in the magazine have come under scrutiny, including journalist Jesse Brown accusing the outlet of using similar font to Mein Kampf, and writers who allegedly erased Israeli and Jewish identities from perspectives on the Middle East  The edition led to scathing backlash from some online, with former New York Magazine editor Mark Horowitz taking to X to condemn his former publication The centrepiece article from the edition, written by Palestinian writer Zaina Arafat, detailed what has become known as the 'SWANA-ssance' - a reference to Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) communities.  In her piece, Arafat said SWANA people in New York 'still face xenophobia, Islamophobia, and Zionism', which led to criticisms that Zionism does not belong in that category.  Arafat noted that these cultures have gained popularity in arenas including restaurants and politics, and she argued that the movement escalated following the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks.  She argued that the 'blooming cultural ecosystem' had been 'born out of the resistance and protests in the months following October 7' - which led some to claim she did not note the gravity of the massacre that killed over 1,200 people in Israel.  Journalist Jordana Horn told the New York Post that the alleged omission offended her, and she said she cancelled her subscription in protest. 'I am not going to pay for a subscription to a magazine I’ve long loved – and written for – that actively seeks to negate Jewish history and identity,' Horn said.  The magazine was also strongly criticized by advocacy account End Jew Hatred, which alleged that the articles allow 'Jewish identity to be erased in favor of a political loyalty test.' 'This isn’t harmless ‘cultural clout.’ Jewish identity is not theirs to erase, and Jewish history will not be rewritten to fit a political narrative,' the organization said on X. One of the pieces in the magazine by author Madeline Leung Coleman came under scrutiny after it referred to Israel as 'the land mass currently called Israel' The centrepiece article from the edition, written by Palestinian writer Zaina Arafat, was criticized for lumping Zionism in with xenophobia and Islamophobia, and referring to the consequences of the October 7 terrorist attacks without mentioning its victims  British historian Simon Sebag Montefiore said that he felt the coverage was a missed opportunity to celebrate all of the Middle East, saying it 'leaves such a nasty, sickly taste'  Journalist Hen Mazzig, a Jewish man who is of Iraqi and Tunisian descent, said he felt the publication purposefully excluded perspectives from people like him. 'The New York Magazine has just devoted its cover story to defining my region, and by its definition, I am not from it,' Mazzig said.  The take was echoed by British historian Simon Sebag Montefiore, who said that he felt the coverage was a missed opportunity to celebrate all of the Middle East.  'This leaves such a nasty, sickly taste,' Montefeiore wrote. 'It is very strange how a celebration of the wondrous delicious eclectic scene of Arab, Iranian, Palestinian, Middle Eastern food and culture - something delightful and positive about New York life and indeed about the MIddle East itself - can be turned into a screed of hate bigotry ignorance and - tellingly - power superiority over other cultures.  'It is interesting too how what presents as the activism of cultural kindness is actually rather poisonous.'  The New York Post columnist John Podhoretz also waded into the controversy, writing in an article on Wednesday that the cover 'sends a message: Jews aren't welcome in Mamdani's NYC.' The New York Post columnist John Podhoretz also waded into the controversy People attend a rally organised by "End Jew Hatred" in opposition to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in New York City July 26, 2026 In response to the criticisms of its edition, New York Magazine said in a statement to The Wrap that its editorial board was 'aware of the range of responses', and that it would 'welcome and acknowledge good faith discussion and criticism.' 'Our latest cover story is an exploration of a New York subculture that is making its presence felt, both culturally and politically, in new ways over the last few years,' the statement read. 'As with other communities forged by common experiences of conflict, there is an irreducible political dimension to any coverage of this subject.  'We have endeavored to capture the tensions and live debates that exist within these communities, including how they relate to Israel.  'We are aware of the wide range of responses to the piece, including critiques from some in the Jewish community.  'We take these comments seriously, and, as always, we welcome and acknowledge good faith discussion and criticism about our journalism.'  The Daily Mail has contacted New York Magazine for further comment.