Mayor-Elect Navigates Contentious Terrain to Reassure Diverse Jewish Constituencies
Confronting Controversy, Building Consensus
Zohran Mamdani’s relationship with New York City’s Jewish community–the largest outside Israel–remains complex and contested. His public criticism of Israeli government actions and support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement sparked intense backlash from establishment Jewish organizations and some voters during his campaign. Yet since his primary victory in June 2025, Mamdani has undertaken intensive outreach, meeting with diverse constituencies across New York’s Jewish landscape. The Forward reported that Mamdani “engaged in continuous Jewish outreach” following his primary win, attending High Holiday services at multiple congregations, addressing synagogue members, and visiting Hasidic leaders in Williamsburg during Sukkot. On the second anniversary of October 7, he appeared at an Israelis for Peace vigil alongside hostage families.
The Hasidic Engagement
Mamdani’s most notable Jewish outreach involved extensive dialogue with Brooklyn’s Hasidic communities, particularly the Satmar movement. The Forward documented that he received a “warm welcome” from tens of thousands of Satmar Hasidim at a December 2025 celebration marking the day the Satmar Rebbe’s escape from the Holocaust. Rabbi David Neiderman, leader of the Satmar Zalonim faction, told the crowd that the community “were left deeply impressed” after “meaningful conversations” with Mamdani. “The mayor-elect has shown a genuine commitment to safeguarding our community–our safety, our religious rights, our yeshivas, and our way of life,” Neiderman stated. Mamdani’s stated willingness to protect yeshivas facing state scrutiny over educational standards compliance has been significant in this outreach. He published open letters in Yiddish outlining his antisemitism prevention agenda and affordability policies.
Navigating Competing Constituencies
Yet tensions persist. Jewish voters split during the general election: former Governor Cuomo received support from most Jewish voters overall and dominated in Orthodox strongholds, while Mamdani captured 31% of Jewish votes and swept progressive Jewish neighborhoods. Times of Israel analysis noted that Mamdani has “repeatedly cited” Israeli peace activist Noy Katsman, whose brother was killed on October 7, quoting him as saying “we must never give up on the conviction that all life, Israeli and Palestinian, Jewish and Arab, is equally precious.” On October 7, 2025, Mamdani issued an extensive statement mourning Hamas victims while condemning Israeli government actions and U.S. complicity. “The occupation and apartheid must end,” he wrote. “Peace must be pursued through diplomacy, not war crimes.” This balancing act reflects the electoral reality: progressive Jews prioritize local affordability and social justice issues, while Orthodox voters emphasize religious autonomy and Israel support. Reports indicate Rabbi Joe Potasnik of the New York Board of Rabbis is among 19 Jewish leaders on Mamdani’s transition team, suggesting ongoing institutional engagement.
