Mazi Melesa Pilip, a former Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) veteran and a rising Republican star, is setting her sights on New York’s 3rd Congressional District. In a detailed conversation with Fox News Digital, Pilip, who is an Ethiopian Jew, an immigrant, and a mother of seven, shared her compelling life story and her aspirations for the upcoming February 13 special election. She is positioned against the seasoned politician, former Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi.
Pilip, who triumphed in her first political race in 2021 for a county legislative seat, is determined to maintain the district’s Republican representation. She challenges Suozzi, known for his significant political background and his self-proclaimed moderate stance, which Pilip contests.
Drawing from her unique experience as an Ethiopian immigrant in Israel and the United States, Pilip expresses her readiness to confront antisemitism and the rhetoric of the Democratic “Squad.” Having lived through the second intifada in Israel, she empathizes with the current challenges faced by Israeli civilians and is poised to counter the narratives she perceives as harmful from Squad members like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar.
Pilip is outspoken in her condemnation of perceived failures by university leaders to address antisemitism, questioning the stance of institutions like Harvard and MIT. She advocates for unity, respect, and togetherness, highlighting the need to work collaboratively while respecting differences.
Firmly supporting U.S. backing for Israel and Ukraine, Pilip voices strong opinions on global conflicts, particularly criticizing Hamas. Her background story is remarkable, from being airlifted to Israel during Ethiopia’s famine to serving in the IDF, which shaped her perspective on service and defense.
As a Nassau County legislator, Pilip has focused on freezing property taxes, funding law enforcement, and increasing police presence. Addressing the migrant crisis, she blames the Biden administration’s policies for national security concerns and disenfranchising American voters.
Pilip, who initially registered as a Democrat upon immigrating to the U.S., later aligned with the Republican Party, drawn by its commitment to law enforcement, crime reduction, and tax lowering. On the contentious issue of abortion, Pilip identifies as pro-life but emphasizes her respect for women’s autonomy in making personal decisions.
Ending her interview, Pilip called on women and mothers to critically assess government policies affecting children, urging them to take a stand against extremist policies that could jeopardize their children’s futures. Her campaign is not just about a congressional seat; it’s about shaping a better future for the next generation.