On his Late Show, Stephen Colbert engaged with New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani in a focused discussion about Israel and antisemitism, highlighting the tensions within the Democratic Party. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist who has gained traction in the polls, was asked directly whether Israel has the right to exist as a nation. He responded affirmatively, stating that all nations, including Israel, have the right to exist and must uphold international law. The conversation took place alongside his fellow Democratic rival, Brad Lander, who had earlier endorsed Mamdani to counter Andrew Cuomo’s prospects in the mayoral race.
Colbert brought up the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, using it as a backdrop to probe both candidates. Lander emphasized his support for Israel as a Jewish and Democratic state, while Mamdani expressed a nuanced view of Israel’s policies, aligning with Israeli historians and former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s criticisms of the Gaza conflict. The discussion turned to the fears of the Jewish community about Mamdani’s potential leadership, with Colbert noting their apprehension over his past statements. Mamdani acknowledged these fears, citing the recent attacks in Washington and Boulder, and emphasized the need to combat antisemitism through increased anti-hate crime funding.
Colbert also questioned Mamdani on how to build bridges between Jewish and Muslim communities in New York. Mamdani highlighted the city’s tradition of celebrating diversity, using an anecdote about a Jewish campaign manager who bonded with a Palestinian man at a mosque. He concluded that shared humanity and collective life are the cornerstones of New York’s identity, with the hope of fostering unity among residents. The debate, rich with tension and nuance, underscored the complex challenges facing the Democratic Party and the city’s diverse population.