Several major Jewish organizations in New York City have issued a public warning to mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, expressing deep concerns over his past statements and positions regarding Israel and the Jewish community. The UJA-Federation of New York, Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY), Anti-Defamation League (ADL) New York/New Jersey, American Jewish Committee (AJC) New York, and the New York Board of Rabbis jointly released the statement shortly after Mamdani’s election victory.
In their statement, the groups said, “We cannot ignore that the Mayor-elect holds core beliefs fundamentally at odds with our community’s deepest convictions and most cherished values.” They pledged to hold Mamdani “fully accountable” to ensure that Jewish life and support for Israel are protected and allowed to flourish in New York City.
Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist and longtime supporter of Palestinian causes, has previously backed the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. His refusal to denounce slogans like “globalize the intifada” has drawn condemnation from critics who argue the rhetoric incites violence and undermines Jewish safety. These positions have alarmed Jewish leaders, particularly given the city’s sizable Jewish population.
Though Mamdani has insisted he opposes antisemitism and that it “pains” him to be accused of such bias, his record has not reassured many in the Jewish community. As he prepares to take office, Jewish organizations are signaling they will closely monitor his administration’s actions and policies.
New York City is home to nearly one million Jews, the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. With tensions already high over rising antisemitism and Israel-related controversies, Mamdani’s term as mayor is expected to face early tests over how he engages with one of the city’s most prominent religious and cultural communities.
