The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s first Muslim mayor has ignited worldwide debate and controversy, with reactions spanning from Uganda to Iran. The Mamdani win is being celebrated by progressives abroad but has raised alarm among Israel’s leaders and Western observers wary of his far-left platform and pro-Palestinian stances.
Born in Uganda to Indian parents, Mamdani, 34, has become a global figure for the intersectional left. In Kampala, many Ugandans expressed pride in his ascent. Siraje Kifamba Nsamba of Uganda’s Islamic Center for Education and Research said Mamdani “has made history for Uganda,” adding, “Against all odds, he broke every record. He showed the world that you can come from here and lead anywhere.”
In sharp contrast, Middle Eastern reactions painted a troubling picture. Hamas-affiliated outlets hailed the Mamdani win as “a moral victory for humanitarian politics,” while others called him “a supporter of Hamas and a hater of Israel.” In Iran, lawmaker Abolqasem Jarareh told Iran International that Mamdani’s win was “a sign of the strength of the slogan ‘Death to Israel.’”
Israeli officials denounced the result in stark terms. Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs, said New York “handed over its keys to a supporter of Hamas,” while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned Mamdani’s election “will be remembered forever as a moment when antisemitism triumphed over common sense.”
In Europe, reactions were more celebratory. London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan wrote that “hope won,” and former U.K. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called it “a seismic victory.” French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and member of the radical far-right “France Unbowed” party, Manon Aubry praised Mamdani for “refusing to turn a blind eye to racism and Gaza.”
The global divide over Mamdani underscores the broader ideological rift between Western progressives and those concerned about rising antisemitism and socialism’s expanding influence in American politics.
