Jewish organizations are voicing deep concerns after Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York City mayoral race, warning that his Israel stance and refusal to condemn the term ‘globalize the intifada’ could put Jewish communities at risk. The UJA-Federation of New York, JCRC-NY, ADL New York/New Jersey, AJC New York, and the New York Board of Rabbis issued a joint statement acknowledging Mamdani’s election but cautioning that his views on Israel are fundamentally at odds with the city’s Jewish heritage and values. They emphasized that the Jewish community’s safety and the continuation of Jewish life in New York must be prioritized, urging Mamdani to uphold the city’s traditions of diversity and inclusivity. The statement also called on all elected officials, including Mamdani, to be held accountable for protecting Jewish residents and ensuring that New York remains a welcoming place for Jewish life.
Anti-Defamation League (ADL) CEO Jonathan Greenblatt reiterated this concern, stating that the ADL supports the Jewish New Yorkers at a time of rising antisemitism. He announced the launch of a new initiative, including a tip line for reporting antisemitic incidents and a ‘Mamdani Monitor’ to track the mayor-elect’s policies and appointments. Greenblatt emphasized that the ADL will hold Mamdani to the same standards as any other elected official, judging his performance on how effectively he safeguards Jewish communities in New York. In addition to these criticisms, the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) published a report highlighting its apprehensions about Mamdani’s ideological alignment and his refusal to distance himself from the controversial phrase ‘globalize the intifada.’ This phrase, which has been used by some anti-Israel agitators to justify violence, is viewed by many as a rallying cry for ongoing conflict and terrorism.
Mamdani’s stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza, particularly his description of the war as a ‘genocide,’ has also drawn sharp criticism. AJC CEO Ted Deutch warned that this language could be used to justify further violence and undermine efforts to protect Jewish communities. He reminded readers that the intifadas were not abstract movements but real events that resulted in the loss of countless Jewish lives. Meanwhile, some political figures, including former President Donald Trump, have taken to social media to criticize Mamdani, accusing him of being a ‘Jew hater.’ In contrast, Mamdani has attempted to defend his position, stating that he would do ‘everything in my power to protect Jewish New Yorkers’ and that he is ‘pained’ when called an antisemite. Despite these assurances, critics remain skeptical, with some labeling him a ‘Hamas sympathizer’ due to his vocal opposition to Israel’s actions in the region.
The controversy over Mamdani’s leadership has intensified as he prepares to take office. While Jewish leaders and organizations have raised alarms, others in the city remain divided on whether his policies will bring about meaningful change or further division. The situation has sparked broader debates about the balance between free speech, political expression, and the protection of minority communities. As tensions continue to mount, the city watches closely to see how Mamdani’s leadership will shape the future of New York’s Jewish community and its role in the larger political landscape of the United States.