NYC mayor – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com israelhayom english website Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:59:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.israelhayom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cropped-G_rTskDu_400x400-32x32.jpg NYC mayor – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com 32 32 Jewish groups sound alarm over Mamdani win https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/05/cam-adl-rjc-warns-mamdani-nyc-mayoral-election-antisemitism/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/05/cam-adl-rjc-warns-mamdani-nyc-mayoral-election-antisemitism/#respond Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:35:13 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1100661 The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) responded to the NYC mayoral election victory of Zohran Mamdani, stating Jewish New Yorkers are "right to be alarmed." CAM's Lisa Katz cited Mamdani's "radical outlook" and history of rhetoric, warning the city may lack an ally in City Hall to address rising antisemitism. CAM vowed to "vigilantly monitor" the new administration.

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]]> The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) and the Republican Jewish Coalition both came out with strongly worded statements amid Zohran Mamdani's sweeping victory in Tuesday's New York City elections, while the Anti-Defemation League said it expects "the mayor of the city with the largest Jewish population in the world to stand unequivocally against antisemitism in all its varied forms and support all of its Jewish residents just as he would all other constituents."

New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks at the Islamic Cultural Center of the Bronx mosque in New York on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 (AP/Ted Shaffrey)

Chief Government Affairs Officer at CAM, Lisa Katz, a former New Castle Town Supervisor, stated, "Jewish New Yorkers are right to be alarmed by today's victory of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, whose radical outlook and history of antisemitic rhetoric should concern all New Yorkers."

The CAM official noted, "The Jewish community continues to face unprecedented antisemitic threat levels." Katz warned that "barring an improbable 180-degree ideological about-face from Mamdani, Jews in New York City will lack an ally in City Hall come January."

"If past is prologue, a Mamdani administration will refuse to recognize as antisemitism hate that vilifies and demonizes Jews on the basis of the Jewish people's connection to Israel," Katz's statement continued.

"The Combat Antisemitism Movement stands with New York's Jewish community and will vigilantly monitor the new administration, together with our partners," Katz added, noting that "CAM works on a daily basis with mayors across the country who are proving real leadership... While New York City may lack such leadership come January, the election results have only deepened CAM's commitment to ensuring that the city government keeps all New Yorkers, including Jewish New Yorkers, safe."

The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) reacted with a statement saying, "It's official. Zohran Mamdani is the face of the Democratic Party now. Democratic 'leaders', including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Governor Kathy Hochul, have handed their party over to what was once the radical leftwing fringe."

It added, "This is a deeply distressing result for New Yorkers, particularly Jewish New Yorkers, but in fact this election will affect all of us," the RJC continued. The group stressed, "The national Democratic Party owns this election and all its results, and voters across the country will hold them accountable when they vote in 2026 and 2028."

"We've said it before and we'll say it again: There is only ONE party in this country fighting antisemitism and supporting Israel, and it is the Republican Party," it continued.  "While Republicans loudly condemn antisemitism, Democrats have shamefully endorsed and elected an antisemite to run the largest city in America with the largest number of Jews in the country," the RJC statement said, warning that New Yorkers will now have "a mayor who took money from terror-supporting Islamist organizations... who is virulently anti-capitalism, anti-police, and anti-Israel, and who will not lift a finger to protect Jewish New Yorkers from the 'globalize the intifada' crowd."

Democratic candidate for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani waves to his supporters after winning the 2025 New York City Mayoral race, at an election night rally in the Brooklyn borough of New York November 4, 2025 (Reuters / Jeenah Moon)

The press release from the RJC concluded, "This is a dark day for the City of New York, and the Democrats own all of it."

Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO and national director of the ADL, issued a statement regarding the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor. "In light of Mayor-elect Mamdani's long, disturbing record on issues of deep concern to the Jewish community, we will approach the next four years with resolve," Greenblatt said, according to the ADL.

The ADL chief continued, "We expect the mayor of the city with the largest Jewish population in the world to stand unequivocally against antisemitism in all its varied forms and support all of its Jewish residents just as he would all other constituents."

"In the months ahead, we will hold the Mamdani Administration to this basic standard, and ADL will be relentless and unyielding in our work to ensure the safety and security of all Jewish New Yorkers," Greenblatt's statement added, per the ADL. "We will neither compromise nor relent in our pursuit of our core purpose, to protect the Jewish people," the ADL statement concluded.

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]]> https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/05/cam-adl-rjc-warns-mamdani-nyc-mayoral-election-antisemitism/feed/ Final poll shows NYC vote comes down to the wire https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/04/nyc-mayoral-race-2025-mamdani-cuomo-poll-tightens/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/04/nyc-mayoral-race-2025-mamdani-cuomo-poll-tightens/#respond Tue, 04 Nov 2025 07:15:06 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1100177 A bombshell election eve poll reveals the NYC mayoral race has tightened to a razor-thin margin, with Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani holding just a 4-point lead over independent Andrew Cuomo (43.9% to 39.4%), while Republican Curtis Sliwa trails at 15.5%.

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NYC faces a potentially historic Tuesday election as projections indicate 2 million votes could be cast – but an election eve survey shows the unpredictable mayoral contest has narrowed to an extremely close finish between Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani and independent Andrew Cuomo, the New York Post reported. Monday's AtlasIntel poll gave the progressive Democrat 43.9% support compared to the former governor's 39.4%, with GOP candidate Curtis Sliwa capturing 15.5% – though data revealed Cuomo would defeat Mamdani 49.7% to 44.1% in a two-person race, according to the New York Post.

Sliwa's backing plummeted from 24% in earlier polling, with Lee Miringhoff, director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, noting "Some of the Sliwa supporters are switching to Cuomo. They're peeling off," and adding "These are voters who prefer Cuomo to Mamdani," the New York Post reported. Miringhoff observed that the democratic socialist front-runner has endured hostile messaging from Cuomo-aligned super PACs but said, "It's still a lot of ground for Cuomo to make up," according to the New York Post.

The survey's release coincided with the candidates' frenzied final day of campaigning, which centered on President Donald Trump issuing a forceful directive urging New Yorkers to vote for Cuomo. "Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice," Trump wrote on Truth Social, according to the New York Post. "You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!" The president's intervention followed Mamdani capitalizing on Trump's weekend "60 Minutes" appearance, during which Trump indicated he'd select a "bad Democrat," meaning Cuomo, over a "communist" – a characterization Mamdani portrayed as his rival's endorsement, the New York Post noted. Cuomo responded that Trump, who had proclaimed on CBS News that he was "much better looking" than the younger candidate, would overpower Mamdani, thereby separating himself from the unpopular president in the blue metropolis, the New York Post reported.

Jews march around the Great Lawn in Manhattan's Central Park for a "Circle of Unity" event marking the second anniversary of the deadly Oct. 7 attack in Israel, on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in New York (Photo: AP/Andres Kudacki) AP/Andres Kudacki

Over 730,000 New Yorkers cast early ballots during the 9-day window that concluded Saturday, with younger generations exceeding senior counterparts at polling stations during early voting's concluding days – potentially favorable for Mamdani, who leveraged their backing to triumph over Cuomo in June's Democratic primary, the New York Post reported. However, Stephen Graves, an analyst with Gotham Polling, informed the New York Post that Election Day will probably draw senior demographics, potentially advantaging Cuomo. "As the turnout gets larger, it leans more moderate and brings in the independents," Graves remarked, adding, "That benefits Cuomo because he was getting more independent while the vast majority of Mamdani's voters were Democrats," according to the New York Post.

Additional polling experts expressed skepticism regarding a tight contest. Alyssa Cass, a partner with Slingshot Strategies, stated Mamdani might realistically be tracking toward an outright majority, remarking, "When you run an error-free general election campaign … it's a safe bet that you are on a slide path to win — and to win by more than 50 percent," the New York Post reported. Nevertheless, Cuomo's operation embraced the AtlasIntel data as evidence that momentum had transferred from Mamdani – an optimistic interpretation that triggered cautionary responses from polling professionals, with GOP pollster John McLaughlin stating, "I think the race is getting tighter, but I don't think it's as close as this poll says," according to the New York Post.

The AtlasIntel survey's methodology drew scrutiny, as its sample of 2,400 constituents contained merely 59% Democrats – substantially below the city's probable percentage and contrasting with early balloting records, which showed Democrats comprising slightly over 73% of ballots, the New York Post noted. Miringhoff, whose organization published a survey discovering Mamdani ahead by 16 points under a week earlier, similarly determined the poll's proportion of Democratic constituents seemed insufficient, according to the New York Post. The participation suggests the intensely disputed contest might reach 2 million constituents for the initial occasion since 1969, when 2.5 million New Yorkers chose liberal John Lindsay as mayor, specialists forecast, with recent polling uniformly displaying Mamdani commanding the contest, though with dramatically different spreads ranging from 25 points to 6 points, the New York Post reported.

McLaughlin noted surprise at the survey being the initial poll discovering Mamdani's favorability negative, with 44% perceiving him unfavorably and 50% favorably, stating "Mamdani having a negative rating is a sea change," and adding "Either the issue attacks on him are working or there are too few Democrats in the poll," according to the New York Post.

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]]> https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/04/nyc-mayoral-race-2025-mamdani-cuomo-poll-tightens/feed/ The Jewish vote that's tearing New York apart https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/10/27/zohran-mamdani-new-york-mayoral-election-jewish-voters-antisemitism/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/10/27/zohran-mamdani-new-york-mayoral-election-jewish-voters-antisemitism/#respond Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:00:30 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1097961 Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani gains support from 40% of New York's Jewish community despite anti-Israel positions, as voters weigh antisemitism concerns against candidate quality in mayoral race.

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The New York City mayoral election, taking place in one week, has become an exceptionally dramatic event for the Jewish community. Among the three candidates – including former Democratic New York state governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent after his defeat in the Democratic primaries in June, and returning Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa – the candidacy of Democratic Socialist New York state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is generating unusual controversy.

This is not only because of his positions on typical city issues like policing, housing, and transportation, but mainly because of his highly hostile displayed attitude toward Israel. In conversations with four Jewish New York residents, a picture emerges of a community tense in its larger part and anxious about the possibility of Mamdani's victory – but within it, more precisely about 40% according to recent polls, there are those intending to choose the candidate who refuses to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, declared he would divest all public investment from it and would arrest its prime minister if he landed in the place hosting UN headquarters.

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, from the Park Avenue Synagogue congregation on the Upper East Side, is considered one of the prominent voices among rabbis who publicly opposed Mamdani. He addressed this in a sermon he gave to his congregation about a week and a half ago, which went viral. "My life revolves around the welfare of the Jewish people," he says. "Zionism, Israel, and Jewish self-definition are inseparable parts of my identity. When Mamdani refuses to condemn slogans like 'globalize the intifada,' or when he talks about arresting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he enters New York, I feel he is attacking me personally."

According to him, "I wish the election would focus on issues of sanitation, transportation, police, and taxes. But when antisemitic acts are carried out in the name of anti-Zionism, a mayor who adopts sharp anti-Zionist positions endangers the Jewish community."

At the same time, Cosgrove clarifies that he is not rushing to dismiss the deliberation. "If someone is deliberating whether to vote for him, one must not preach to that person. It only causes the opposite result. There are liberal Jews who struggle to support the current Israeli government and see voting for Mamdani as an expression of legitimate criticism. But I say these are not ordinary elections. Questions of security and Jewish identity are on the line."

According to him, Mamdani's victory could create a dangerous atmosphere. "Imagine the Israel parade that takes place every year on Fifth Avenue. If an attack occurs under a city hall that normalizes slogans like 'free Palestine,' will we be able to expect a decisive response? I'm not sure."

Allison Devlin, a city resident and single mother who works in marketing, sees the election as an existential battle

Allison Devlin, a city resident and single mother who works in marketing, sees the election as an existential battle. "The atmosphere is gloomy and worrying," she says. "No one I know wants Mamdani to win, but we can't agree whether to vote for Cuomo or Sliwa." According to her, she switched for the first time in her life to voting for the Democratic Party "just to make sure we don't elect this man." She says, "I never thought I would vote for Andrew Cuomo, but I understood we must prevent disaster."

Devlin claims Mamdani "won the primaries based on hatred – hatred for the Jewish community, wrapped in rhetoric about Israel and Bibi Netanyahu. He uses slogans like 'globalize the intifada,' and every Jew knows the meaning." Devlin added, "It scares me to hear that wounded soldiers I spoke with at Sheba Hospital asked me if it's safe for them to come to New York. One of them, an amputee, asked if he would be arrested here just because he fought in Gaza."

Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani (front) speaks during the 'New York Is Not For Sale' rally at Forest Hills Stadium in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 26 October 2025 (Photo: EPA/Sarah Yenesel) EPA/Sarah Yenesel

Regarding Mamdani's campaign platform, she compares it to "a high school student promising three-hour breaks and free candy and donuts." According to her, "He promises free public transportation, rent freeze, and government grocery stores, but doesn't explain how. It sounds nice, especially to young people who don't understand communism doesn't work." Against this background, she says, "He never managed anything, never created, never worked hard a single day. How do we entrust him with a city of eight million residents and a budget of hundreds of billions?"

Alongside criticism of Mamdani, Devlin sees Cuomo and Sliwa as more worthy alternatives. "I'm not crazy about Cuomo, but I truly believe the city will survive four years with him. Four years with Mamdani, I'm not sure." According to her, "The hate crime rate against Jews rose most sharply of any other community. Too many Jews are falling into his trap." In her message to voters, she says, "Don't vote with your heart, vote with your head. We're not looking for a friend, but a manager who can protect the city."

Jason Froimowitz, 35, a product manager in the tech industry and chair of the transportation committee on the Manhattan community board, actually sees Mamdani as a worthy candidate

But not all Jews in the city see it this way. Jason Froimowitz, 35, a product manager in the tech industry and chair of the transportation committee on the Manhattan community board, actually sees Mamdani as a worthy candidate. "He ran a very effective campaign with simple and clear messages, and mainly talked about the cost of living, an issue that hurts everyone," he says. According to him, "Among the three remaining candidates, he's the only one bringing new ideas."

Froimowitz doesn't hide that he also voted for him in the primaries. "He wasn't my first choice, I preferred Brad Lander (the Jewish city comptroller, who was also critical of Israel during the Gaza war), but I ranked Mamdani among the top five. Now I think he's the only one truly qualified."

He criticizes Andrew Cuomo harshly. "He's a former governor who resigned due to serious sexual harassment accusations and authoritarian management. He failed at managing public transportation and left the subway in terrible condition. Curtis Sliwa also lacks managerial experience. So who's left? Mamdani." According to him, "His plan for free public transportation is excellent – it will encourage bus use and make the city more accessible. The rent freeze policy and plans to address early childhood education costs are also very logical."

And what about Israel? "I don't agree with some of his positions, but he's not antisemitic. I haven't seen any proof of hatred toward Jews. We're electing a mayor, not an ambassador to the UN. His job is to manage New York, not US foreign relations." Froimowitz also notes that Mamdani's collaboration with Lander, who is an active Jew in the campaign, "should reassure those concerned. If Lander supports him, that's a sign he has no ill intent toward the Jewish community."

In contrast, Jen Press, an interior designer living on the Upper East Side, speaks with pain. "I'm a proud Zionist," she says, "but it's hard for me to see how many Jews support him. It breaks my heart." According to her, "In my Jewish mothers group, everyone is afraid of the day after if he's elected. But when you look at the numbers, it's alarming to see how many Jews are voting for him."

New York Mayor Eric Adams, left, and Democrat mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo appear at a campaign event outside the George Washington Carver Houses, in New York, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 (Photo: AP /Richard Drew) AP

Press wonders if the reason lies in privilege. "American Jews enjoy too comfortable a life, forgetting where we came from. My great-grandparents would turn in their graves if they saw Jews voting for someone like this." She emphasizes that "Mamdani is not only anti-Israeli, he's also incompetent. He promises baseless things, like government supermarkets and free transportation, but without explaining how he'll finance them."

At the same time, she claims some Jewish voices against him operate unstrategically. "I think every time we publish posts screaming 'he's antisemitic,' we only strengthen him. People don't like Jews right now, and that's the reality. Instead, we need to focus on his failed policy." She adds with irony, "Mamdani may know how to talk nicely, but when he talks about free-free-free, one needs to remember, nothing in life is truly free. He doesn't seem to me like someone you can trust."

Press recounts with sadness that she lost friends since October 7. "I once identified as progressive, now I have no place in this world," she says. "The progressives I knew abandoned Jews completely. Anyone who calls themselves progressive and supports Hamas is not progressive."

Jen Press(Photo: Yuval Yosha)

The four interviewees paint a divided but aware community at this critical hour. Rabbi Cosgrove sees the election as a test of Jewish security, Devlin warns against "a communist experiment in the freest city in the world," Froimowitz asks to remind that the elections are about transportation and housing, not foreign policy, and Press describes a deep loss of trust in the progressive camp that was once her home. Behind all of them stands one shared feeling – that this time, more than in any other municipal election campaign, it's evident that voting in New York is also a vote on Jewish identity, on personal security, and on the boundaries of political discourse in the world's largest city.

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]]> https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/10/27/zohran-mamdani-new-york-mayoral-election-jewish-voters-antisemitism/feed/ Mamdani sparks outrage with 'sick' Hanukkah parody video https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/06/nyc-mayor-hopeful-sparks-outrage-with-sick-hanukkah-parody-video/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/06/nyc-mayor-hopeful-sparks-outrage-with-sick-hanukkah-parody-video/#respond Sun, 06 Jul 2025 06:00:48 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1070915 A Jewish advocacy organization has strongly condemned New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani after the Democratic socialist shared a video the group claims mocks Hanukkah and disrespects Jewish religious traditions, according to JNS. StopAntisemitism criticized Mamdani on social media for sharing a video last year featuring Indian performers dressed as Jewish characters engaging in […]

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]]> A Jewish advocacy organization has strongly condemned New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani after the Democratic socialist shared a video the group claims mocks Hanukkah and disrespects Jewish religious traditions, according to JNS.

StopAntisemitism criticized Mamdani on social media for sharing a video last year featuring Indian performers dressed as Jewish characters engaging in Hanukkah rituals, including spinning dreidels and lighting a menorah. The organization denounced the clip as "sick," arguing that "Our holidays and traditions are sacred and not for your comedic pleasure," according to JNS.

The controversial video, titled "Hey Hanukkah," represents a parody song from the 2015 Punjabi Christmas Album Hits by the Geeta Brothers, a comedic project led by Sikh-Canadian entertainer Jus Reign, JNS reported. The clip features two men in wigs celebrating Hanukkah with a Punjabi musical twist.

Mamdani shared the video on social media during last year's Hanukkah, writing, "Happy 3rd night of Hanukkah from Astoria and Long Island City," JNS reported. The current state assemblyman also shared another parody video from the same comedy group on Christmas Eve 2024, this time spoofing the holiday classic "Jingle Bells."

Democrat mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a rally at the Hotel & GamingTrades Council headquarters in New York, Wednesday, July 2, 2025 (Photo: AP /Richard Drew) AP/Richard Drew

The incident compounds a growing list of criticisms Mamdani has faced from members of New York's Jewish community. Critics have previously raised concerns about his campaign's references to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, as well as his public statements questioning Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. Mamdani has also faced scrutiny over reports that he identified as African American on a college application, despite being born in Uganda and having Indian heritage.

 Mamdani officially secured the Democratic primary for New York City mayor on June 24, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and nine other candidates in the race.

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]]> https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/06/nyc-mayor-hopeful-sparks-outrage-with-sick-hanukkah-parody-video/feed/ 'Won't receive any money': Trump unleashes on NYC mayoral candidate https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/30/wont-receive-any-money-trump-unleashes-on-nyc-mayoral-candidate/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/30/wont-receive-any-money-trump-unleashes-on-nyc-mayoral-candidate/#respond Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:00:21 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1069493 President Donald Trump launched a blistering attack on New York City's likely next mayor, calling Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani a "communist" and threatening economic retaliation if he wins office. In a Fox News interview, Trump condemned Mamdani's progressive positions, declaring, "He would be very bad for New York. Let's say this, if he does get […]

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]]> President Donald Trump launched a blistering attack on New York City's likely next mayor, calling Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani a "communist" and threatening economic retaliation if he wins office.

In a Fox News interview, Trump condemned Mamdani's progressive positions, declaring, "He would be very bad for New York. Let's say this, if he does get in, I'm going to be president, and he is going to have to do the right thing. Do what's right, or you won't receive any money."

The president escalated his rhetoric further, stating, "I used to say we will never have a socialist in this country. No, but we'll have a communist." In response to Mamdani's promise to oppose ICE, Trump called him a "radical leftist" and a "lunatic."

When asked whether he would support an alternative candidate in the general election, Trump declined to name a specific opponent but issued a stern warning, "Whoever's mayor of New York is going to have to behave themselves or the federal government is coming down very tough on them financially."

New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a press conference at City Hall on June 26, 2025 in New York City (Photo: Michael M. Santiago / / Getty Images / AFP) Getty Images via AFP

Trump's remarks follow Mamdani's controversial positions that have sparked national debate. The progressive candidate, who defeated Andrew Cuomo in last week's Democratic primary, refused to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada" during Sunday's NBC "Meet the Press" interview, despite widespread criticism of the slogan as antisemitic.

When pressed directly about denouncing the controversial call, Mamdani responded, "That's not language that I use. The language that I use, the language that I will continue to use to lead this city, is that which speaks clearly to my intent, which is an intent grounded in a belief in universal human rights. I don't believe that the role of the mayor is to police speech."

Despite calls from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to condemn the antisemitic slogan, Mamdani declined. Jewish Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler provided public support for the candidate, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer congratulated him but stopped short of a formal campaign endorsement.

Mamdani emphasized his commitment to protecting Jewish New Yorkers, stating, "Ultimately, what I think I need to show is the ability to not only talk about something but to tackle it and to make clear there is no room for antisemitism in the city. We have to root out that bigotry and, ultimately, we do that through the actions, and that is the mayor I will be, one that protects Jewish New Yorkers and lives up to that commitment through the work that I do." He announced plans to increase hate crime program budgets by 800%.

Additionally, Mamdani declared his opposition to the existence of billionaires, telling NBC, "I don't think that we should have billionaires because, frankly, it is so much money in a moment of such inequality." He expressed willingness to cooperate with wealthy individuals toward creating a more equitable city, but maintained his position that extreme wealth concentration should not exist.

Billionaire Bill Ackman, a former Trump supporter, pledged to finance a candidate opposing Mamdani in the general election, arguing the progressive's policies would bring economic destruction to the city.

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]]> https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/30/wont-receive-any-money-trump-unleashes-on-nyc-mayoral-candidate/feed/ Anti-Israel Mamdani stuns in NYC primaries, poised to become mayor https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/25/anti-israel-mamdani-stuns-in-nyc-primaries-poised-to-become-mayor/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/25/anti-israel-mamdani-stuns-in-nyc-primaries-poised-to-become-mayor/#respond Wed, 25 Jun 2025 06:01:42 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1068707 New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani delivered a shocking victory over Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday's Democratic mayoral primary, overcoming months of antisemitism allegations related to his sharp critiques of Israel, according to JTA. The 33-year-old democratic socialist's triumph represents one of the most unexpected outcomes in recent New York City political history. Since Democrats outnumber […]

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]]> New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani delivered a shocking victory over Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday's Democratic mayoral primary, overcoming months of antisemitism allegations related to his sharp critiques of Israel, according to JTA. The 33-year-old democratic socialist's triumph represents one of the most unexpected outcomes in recent New York City political history. Since Democrats outnumber Republicans 9:1 in the city, he is likely to win in November's general election again regardless of who the other candidates are.


Mamdani has vowed to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he were to visit the city due to his actions in the Gaza Strip. This would in effect exercise the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in November 2024, even though Israel and the US are not party to the tribunal and it is unlikely that the mayor has the authority to arrest a diplomat without any specific crime committed on city's jurisdiction.

The former New York governor – who had secured backing from influential Democratic figures including Bill Clinton and centered his campaign around combating antisemitism – acknowledged defeat to Mamdani at approximately 10 p.m. Tuesday evening, JTA reported. Cuomo, aged 67, addressed his supporters at a campaign watch event with gracious remarks.

"Tonight was not our night," Cuomo said to supporters gathered at a watch party. "Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won," according to JTA.

During the extended campaign period, Cuomo – who stepped down as governor in 2021 following sexual harassment allegations from multiple women – had been widely viewed as the overwhelming favorite to secure the nomination, JTA reported.

With the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and rising antisemitic incidents across New York City and beyond, both Israeli policy and anti-Jewish hatred became pivotal campaign themes, according to JTA. Cuomo characterized antisemitism as "the most serious and most important issue" in the mayoral race and "in many ways, the toughest issue facing the city of New York and the country."

Mamdani represents a sharp contrast as a vocal Israel opponent who has consistently championed the boycott movement against the Jewish state, JTA reported. Following the October 7 attacks, he criticized Israel, defended his conversations with popular Twitch streamer Hasan Piker despite antisemitism accusations against the content creator, and initially supported before later rejecting the "globalize the intifada" slogan that many Jewish Americans interpret as inciting violence against Israelis.

New York City mayoral candidate and former New York governor Andrew Cuomo (C) speaks during an election party following the primaries at the Carpenters Union in New York City on June 24, 2025 (John Lamparski / AFP)

Under the city's ranked-choice voting mechanism, victory requires achieving 50% support, according to JTA. The Associated Press calculated Mamdani's support at 43.5% and Cuomo's at 36.4% by Tuesday's conclusion, with vote counting expected to extend into next week.

While Tuesday evening marked a significant triumph for Mamdani, uncertainty surrounds his potential general election opponent, JTA reported. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams seeks reelection under two newly created ballot lines titled "EndAntiSemitism" and "Safe&Affordable." Cuomo had indicated potential interest in mounting an independent campaign if unsuccessful in the primary but declined to confirm such plans Tuesday evening.

Mamdani's platform featured promises of rent freezes and fare-free public transportation, alongside proposing establishment of a Department of Community Safety designed to expand anti-hate programming, including antisemitism prevention initiatives, according to JTA.

"Antisemitism is not simply something that we should talk about – it's something that we have to tackle," he stated during his Monday evening appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. "We have to make clear there's no room for it in this city, in this country."

City Comptroller Brad Lander, who identifies as both Jewish and progressive, captured slightly more than 11% of Tuesday's counted ballots, securing third position behind Cuomo, JTA reported. During the campaign's final weeks, Lander and Mamdani provided mutual endorsements.

Should Mamdani prevail in November's general election, he would become New York City's inaugural Muslim mayor, according to JTA.

"We are not going to let anyone divide Muslim New Yorkers and Jewish New Yorkers," Lander declared at a Tuesday evening watch party.

In additional ballot contests, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, who is Jewish, prevailed over Councilman Justin Brannan in the comptroller race, while in a closely monitored Park Slope, Brooklyn City Council contest, incumbent Shahana Hanif – who has also criticized Israel and lost Jewish community support over her responses to antisemitic incidents in the borough – defeated Maya Kornberg, who is Jewish, JTA reported.

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]]> https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/25/anti-israel-mamdani-stuns-in-nyc-primaries-poised-to-become-mayor/feed/ Who is Zohran Mamdani, the likely next NYC mayor? https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/25/who-is-soon-to-be-nyc-mayor-zohran-mamdani/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/25/who-is-soon-to-be-nyc-mayor-zohran-mamdani/#respond Wed, 25 Jun 2025 06:00:58 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1068815 Zohran Mamdani, known for his socialist and anti-Israeli positions, was elected Wednesday night to be the Democratic Party nominee for New York City mayor, according to the count of most votes. Mamdani, who expressed support for the BDS movement to boycott Israel, defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo. In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always […]

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]]> Zohran Mamdani, known for his socialist and anti-Israeli positions, was elected Wednesday night to be the Democratic Party nominee for New York City mayor, according to the count of most votes. Mamdani, who expressed support for the BDS movement to boycott Israel, defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo.

Mamdani, 33, a Muslim New York State Assembly member, leads Cuomo 43.5% to 36.4% after counting nearly 95% of polling stations. Cuomo, who sought to return to the political arena four years after resigning as governor following sexual harassment allegations, delivered a concession speech and acknowledged Mamdani's victory – "Tonight is his night. He deserved it, he won."

Mamdani was born in Uganda to a family of Indian origin and moved to New York at age 7. He is the son of Mahmood Mamdani, an anthropology professor at Columbia University, and Mira Nair, a film director of Indian origin.

Zohran Mamdani reacts next to his parents Mahmood Mamdani and Mira Nair and wife Rama Duwaji during a watch party for his primary election, which includes his bid to become the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor in the upcoming November 2025 election, in New York City, June 25, 2025 (Photo: Reuters/David 'Dee' Delgado) REUTERS

Mamdani previously founded a chapter of "Students for Justice in Palestine" at Bowdoin College, supported the boycott movement against Israel (BDS), called for cutting economic ties with Israel, and even declared that if elected mayor, he would refuse to visit Israel – contrary to the tradition of his predecessors in the position. His extreme positions toward Israel have accompanied him throughout his political career, as he refuses to recognize its right to exist as a Jewish state.

Recently, Mamdani sparked controversy when he refused to condemn the call to "globalize the intifada," a slogan associated with anti-Israeli demonstrations and calls for violence against Jews. In a podcast interview, he responded, "Ultimately, what I hear in these expressions is a desperate yearning for equality and human rights for Palestinians," and tried to justify using the term by claiming its meaning in Arabic is "struggle."

 His words prompted a harsh backlash from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, which issued an unusual statement – "Exploiting the Museum and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising to sanitize "globalize the intifada" is outrageous and especially offensive to survivors. Since 1987 Jews have been attacked and murdered under its banner. All leaders must condemn its use and the abuse of history." In response to the uproar, Mamdani held a dramatic press conference where he claimed, "It pains me that they call me antisemitic. I love the Jewish community in New York." Recently, it was revealed that in a rap song he published in the past, he expressed support for five convicts who transferred money to Hamas and sent them his "love."

 But the core of his campaign focused on his socialist positions – freezing rent on rent-controlled apartments, free public transportation, city-subsidized grocery stores, free early childhood education, and raising the minimum wage to $30 per hour. Mamdani said he would fund this by raising taxes on the wealthy.

In the past, Mamdani supported the movement to defund the police, but in the current campaign, he said he would not cut the budget of law enforcement forces, despite describing the New York Police Department as "racist, anti-LGBTQ community and a major threat to public safety."

The race was seen as an indicator of the direction the Democratic Party should take after the defeat in the presidential and congressional elections. The differences between them were clear – Cuomo, a moderate candidate supported by the party establishment who served about a decade as governor, versus Mamdani, a progressive and radical candidate.

Mamdani is expected to be the favorite in the November mayoral election in the majority-Democratic city. He will face the current mayor, Eric Adams, known for his pro-Israeli positions. Adams, also a Democrat, will run as an independent candidate after corruption scandals and his ties with President Donald Trump made him an outcast in the party.

Mamdani won the support of Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, two prominent figures in the party's progressive wing. In contrast, Cuomo garnered support from former President Bill Clinton and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

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