Facing an anti-Zionist mayor: Mamdani’s election win puts NY Jews in uncharted waters

Facing an Anti-Zionist Mayor: Mamdani’s Election Win Puts NY Jews in Uncharted Waters

NEW YORK — At his victory party in Brooklyn on Tuesday night, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani celebrated his win as a revolutionary mandate, declaring a new era in politics. “I can see the dawn of a better day for humanity,” he said. “The future is in our hands.”

Mamdani’s rise signals a dramatic shift for New York’s Jewish community, the largest Diaspora Jewish population in the world, with over one million members. For the first time, they face an anti-Zionist mayor, which many perceive as a significant challenge.

New York Jews have traditionally been a powerful political force, with strong support for Israel seen as key to electoral success in the city. Mamdani disrupted these norms by building his coalition largely without the mainstream Jewish vote, fueled by Democratic anger over the war in Gaza.

His critics worry that Mamdani’s anti-Israel rhetoric may increase hostility toward pro-Israel Jews and that his policies and staffing choices will conflict with the values and priorities of the mainstream Jewish community.

“I can see the dawn of a better day for humanity.” — Zohran Mamdani

His election marks a turning point, introducing uncertainty and new dynamics for New York’s Jewish population in the political landscape.

Author's summary: Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City mayor challenges the city’s largest Jewish community with an anti-Zionist leader, signaling a historic and uncertain political shift.

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The Times of Israel The Times of Israel — 2025-11-06

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