Mayor-elect’s longstanding anti-Israel activism and nuanced antisemitism commitments create complex political landscape within largest Jewish diaspora community
The appointment of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s next mayor divides the city’s Jewish community. Mamdani co-founded a Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at Bowdoin College and backed BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) throughout his political career. His 2023 state Assembly bill “Not On Our Dime” barred nonprofit corporations from supporting Israeli settlement activity, potentially affecting Jewish organizations providing humanitarian aid. The bill defined “support” expansively to cover spending one million dollars in disputed territories, regardless of purpose. Critics argue this targets Jewish nonprofits; supporters contend charities should not fund settlement expansion.
Netanyahu Arrest Pledge and Municipal Power
Mamdani pledged to arrest Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu if he entered New York City. He committed to ending city pension investment in Israel bonds and dismantling New York-Israel economic ties. These concrete promises translate anti-Israel ideology into municipal policy affecting Jewish organizations directly.
Cornell-Technion Concern
Mamdani’s transition team flagged Cornell-Technion partnership for BDS scrutiny, raising fears of city intervention in academic research.
Hate Crime Funding and Competing Messages
Mamdani increased hate violence prevention funding from three million to 26 million dollars and pledged “Hidden Voices” curriculum teaching Jewish history. Yet he declined condemning “globalize the intifada” protests and blamed synagogues hosting pro-Israel events rather than criticizing demonstrators. Jewish leaders report he told them staff would not face Israel-Palestine litmus tests. This contradiction between protection commitments and ideological positions creates persistent community anxiety. See Times of Israel analysis of policy impacts, CNN reporting on Jewish divisions, American Prospect on Jewish concerns, and The Forward’s Israel-Palestine coverage.
