How Democrats in America’s most Jewish city embraced a critic of Israel

New York Democrats Nominate Zohran Mamdani for Mayor, Signaling Shift in Priorities

In a surprising turn of events, Democrats in New York City have chosen Zohran Mamdani as their candidate for mayor, despite his outspoken criticism of Israel. This decision has sparked concern among some members of the city’s Jewish community and indicates a significant change in the values of one of the Democratic Party’s most steadfast voting blocs.

At just 33 years old, Mamdani, a democratic socialist, made a strong showing in the Democratic primary against former Governor Andrew Cuomo. His refusal to support Israel as a Jewish state, reluctance to denounce the term “global intifada,” and advocacy for economic pressure on Israel through boycotts have raised eyebrows. Despite these views, Mamdani garnered support from many Jewish voters in the city, which boasts the largest Jewish population outside of Israel.

His success reflects a shift in the attitudes of American Jews, particularly in the aftermath of the 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel. Many Democratic voters, including Jews, have become critical of Israel’s actions in the conflict and are disillusioned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This sentiment is particularly strong among younger, more progressive voters who no longer equate anti-Israel sentiment with antisemitism.

However, Mamdani’s rise has also raised concerns about the safety of the Jewish community in a city where hate crimes targeting Jews have increased. Rabbi Shimon Hecht of Congregation B’nai Jacob in Brooklyn expressed worries about Mamdani’s candidacy and emphasized the need for unity among concerned individuals to address these issues.

Veteran Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf went as far as predicting an exodus of religious Jews from the city and a decline in Jewish influence, a trend he believes could spread to other cities across the country.

Despite Cuomo’s efforts to make antisemitism and support for Israel a central issue in the campaign, Mamdani’s supporters viewed his victory as a rejection of these tactics. Many voters were more focused on affordability and other pressing issues facing the city.

While Mamdani’s views on Israel have sparked controversy, some Jewish voters resonate with his support for Palestinian rights. Beth Miller, political director of Jewish Voice for Peace Action, noted that Mamdani’s stance has garnered popularity among Jewish voters who reject what they see as Israel’s unjust treatment of Palestinians.

Overall, public opinion on Israel has shifted since the conflict began, with a growing number of Americans expressing unfavorable views of the country. Mamdani’s candidacy is not the only example of Israel playing a role in local races, as seen in the election of City Councilwoman Shahana Hanif in Brooklyn, who faced criticism for her advocacy for Palestinians.

Despite the controversy surrounding his views, Mamdani has pledged to combat antisemitism and increase funding for anti-hate crime programs. He has also expressed a commitment to understanding and engaging with differing perspectives, signaling a willingness to engage with all members of the community.

As Mamdani prepares to face off against Mayor Eric Adams and other candidates in the general election, his candidacy continues to provoke debate and reflection within New York City’s diverse population.

___ Associated Press writer Jake Offenhartz contributed to this report.