NYC Mayoral Race: Zahran Mamdani Divides Jewish Voters Over Israel
As New York City prepares for its mayoral election, the political landscape is being reshaped by a contentious debate within the Jewish community. At the heart of this division is Zahran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist whose views on Israel have ignited controversy and raised fundamental questions about Jewish identity in America.
The Mamdani Factor
Mamdani, 34, won the Democratic primary, but his history of pro-Palestinian activism and strong criticism of Israel have created a rift among Jewish voters. This is particularly relevant considering the election is scheduled to occur before the end of 2025. His past actions, including supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and calling for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have alarmed some members of the community.
Felissa Widelom, director of the Jewish Agenda in New York, highlighted the central question at play, according to CNN: “How much does it matter to have a mayor who shares their feelings towards Israel?” Some voters prioritize other issues, while others view their stance on Israel as an existential matter, making it difficult to support a candidate with differing views.
A Divided Electorate
The issue stems from Mamdani’s background in pro-Palestinian activism, dating back to his college days where he founded a Students for Justice in Palestine chapter. His actions and statements have led to a division among Jewish voters, particularly over the past two years, exacerbated by the war in Gaza. While 56% of American Jews feel emotionally connected to Israel, that number drops to 36% among those aged 18-34, according to a Washington Post poll.
Despite Mamdani’s lead in some polls, recent surveys from Fox News and Marist show that 55% of likely Jewish voters support former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent after losing to Mamdani in the primary. Mamdani, on the other hand, received 32% of the Jewish vote in both polls.
Mamdani’s Stance
Mamdani’s political beliefs have consistently included pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel stances. He has declined to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, advocating for equal rights for all residents. He also initially avoided condemning the phrase “Globalizing the Intifada,” a term used by Palestinians. After the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which sparked the devastating war in Gaza, Mamdani issued a statement that did not condemn Hamas or the attacks. He has also criticized Israel’s actions, describing them as “genocide,” and stated he would arrest Netanyahu if he visited New York, citing an International Criminal Court warrant.
In September 2023, a video surfaced linking the New York City Police Department to the Israeli military. Mamdani stated at an American Democratic Socialists conference, “When the NYPD boot is on your neck, it has been linked by the Israeli military.” When questioned, he clarified that he was referring to joint training exercises between the NYPD and the Israeli military, emphasizing his focus on working with the NYPD to ensure public safety.
With the election approaching, the Jewish community is grappling with what it means to be Jewish in New York City amidst these divisive issues. While some Jewish politicians, such as Brad Lander and Jerry Nadler, have endorsed Mamdani, others, like Senator Chuck Schumer and Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, have expressed strong opposition. Over 1,100 rabbis and Jewish leaders signed an open letter echoing Cosgrove’s concerns, urging support for candidates who reject anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric.
The situation highlights the complex interplay of politics, identity, and community in a city as diverse as New York. The mayoral election will undoubtedly be shaped by these ongoing debates and the evolving perspectives of its residents.
Source: Annahar
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