Jewish leaders and advocates are sounding the alarm over the rising antisemitism in New York City, warning of an ‘existential threat’ as socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani continues to face scrutiny for his refusal to condemn the ‘Globalize the intifada’ slogan and his position on Israel. The growing concerns have led some Jewish New Yorkers to consider leaving the city, exacerbating fears of a mass exodus.
The controversy surrounding Mamdani’s stance, particularly his refusal to condemn the provocative slogan and his perceived support for anti-Israel policies, has intensified as antisemitic hate crimes have surged in the city. According to recent data, over 44 percent of all recorded hate crimes in New York State targeted Jewish victims in 2023, with a dramatic 81 percent increase in anti-Jewish incidents in New York City between 2023 and 2024. These alarming trends have fueled concerns among Jewish community leaders about the safety and future of New York’s largest Jewish population outside of Israel.
Jewish advocacy groups and activists, including Yuval David, a prominent Jewish activist and filmmaker, have expressed deep anxiety over the potential consequences of Mamdani’s election. David, who recently relocated to Washington, D.C., warned that Jewish residents are contemplating leaving the city due to the rise in antisemitism. He emphasized that Mamdani’s refusal to condemn anti-Israel rhetoric, combined with his sponsorship of a controversial bill that targets Jewish organizations connected to Israel, has raised significant red flags within the Jewish community.
Other Jewish leaders, such as Rabbi Marc Schneier, have echoed these concerns, labeling anti-Zionism as a form of antisemitism and warning that such rhetoric could lead to further violence and a mass exodus of Jews from New York City. Schneier has publicly backed former governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate, as well as Mayor Eric Adams, both of whom he believes are more sympathetic to the Jewish community. However, both leaders have expressed fears that they may split the vote, inadvertently benefiting Mamdani’s candidacy.
Mamdani’s stance has also drawn criticism from prominent Jewish advocacy groups and community members, who argue that his positions risk alienating the Jewish population and emboldening anti-Semitic forces. Despite his denials and claims of commitment to combating antisemitism, the perception of his anti-Israel inclinations has created a climate of distrust and fear within the Jewish community. As the polls approach the November election, the Jewish community finds itself at a crossroads, with high stakes and deep divisions over the direction of New York City’s future.
With the Jewish community’s concerns mounting, the debate over Mamdani’s candidacy has become a focal point in the mayoral race, with implications extending beyond the city’s politics into the broader discourse on antisemitism, identity, and the role of Israel in American society. The growing fear of an ‘existential threat’ underscores the high level of tension and the potential impact of the election on the Jewish community in New York City.