During an appearance on MSNBC’s ‘Morning Joe,’ New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani defended his support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, stating it is a means to pressure Israel into compliance with international law. He reiterated his commitment to representing all New Yorkers, regardless of their views on Israel and Palestine. However, Jewish leaders and opponents have raised concerns over his stance, warning it could pose a threat to the city’s Jewish community and its safety.
Mamdanis position has drawn criticism from Jewish community leaders and his political rivals, who argue his support for BDS could endanger the safety of Jewish residents in New York. His stance has also been questioned during the Democratic primary, where he faced backlash over his refusal to condemn the phrase ‘globalize the intifada,’ widely seen as a call for violence against Jews. Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of the Conservative Park Avenue Synagogue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side warned that Mamdani poses a danger to the security of the New York Jewish community. Opponents, including independent candidate former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, have also said Mamdani would not protect Jewish New Yorkers if elected this week.
In addition to his statements on BDS, Mamdani has also faced scrutiny over a 2023 rally where he called for New York’s elected leaders to support his state assembly bill that would prohibit any ‘not-for-profit corporations from engaging in unauthorized support of Israeli settlement activity.’ He argued that the state should not subsidize ‘settler crimes’ and urged New Yorkers to reject such funding. The candidate also expressed his determination to serve as mayor for all Jewish New Yorkers during the interview, emphasizing his broad vision of representation.
Despite his promises of impartiality, Mamdani’s position has sparked significant debate within New York City and beyond. Critics argue that his support for the BDS movement, which has been condemned as anti-Semitic by organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League, could harm the city’s Jewish community. Meanwhile, supporters of his candidacy claim that his stance reflects a broader commitment to accountability and the rule of law. As the mayoral race intensifies, his position on Israel and Palestine will likely continue to shape the discourse and influence the outcome of the election.