Zohran Mamdani's Election Sparks Controversy Over Antisemitism

Thu Nov 06 2025 05:03:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York's first Muslim mayor has drawn sharp responses from Jewish organizations, with debates over his policies and past comments on antisemitism fueling tensions.

Zohran Mamdani's historic election as New York's first Muslim mayor has elicited both support and concern, particularly from Jewish groups cautious about his stance on Israel and the rising tide of antisemitism. The Anti-Defamation League has launched an initiative to monitor his administration following criticisms of his pro-Palestinian views during his candidacy, while others in the Jewish community urge collaboration to bridge divides. Mamdani has affirmed his commitment to fighting antisemitism, leading to mixed reactions among Jewish leaders across the city's diverse communities.

NEW YORK (RTWNews) — The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City's first Muslim mayor has brought a swift and critical reaction from various factions within the Jewish community. Just hours after Mamdani's victory was declared, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) announced it would track the new administration's policies and appointments, emphasizing the need to safeguard Jewish residents amidst a reported surge of antisemitism.

The ADL's initiative is reportedly a response to Mamdani's prior comments on Israel and his association with individuals linked to antisemitism. Mamdani's main opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, garnered around 60% of the Jewish vote, highlighting the controversial nature of Mamdani's views on Israel, particularly during a campaign that saw discussions of antisemitism intensify.

One prominent voice, Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADL's national director, expressed concerns that the incoming administration would be influenced by those with known antisemitic histories. Following these developments, more conciliatory responses emerged from some Jewish leaders, such as Jeremy Ben-Ami of J Street, who criticized the fearmongering from some Jewish institutions and called for constructive engagement with Mamdani.

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani vigorously criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza, framing them as a form of genocide against Palestinians. Nevertheless, he also acknowledged Jewish supporters and condemned the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. His declaration at a recent victory celebration emphasized a commitment to stand alongside Jewish New Yorkers in the fight against antisemitism, pledging to increase funding for hate crime prevention.

The campaign had risen in significance amidst a backdrop of rising tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with opinions among the Jewish community becoming polarized over Mamdani's election. As the city moves forward, various leaders within the Jewish community are calling for unity and urging for dialogue that transcends political divides.