Table of Contents
- Rising Tensions in Jewish Communities
- Mamdani’s Position on Israel
- Rabbis Respond: Over 1,100 Sign Warning Letter
- Progressive Jewish Groups Push Back
- Political Fallout in NYC Mayoral Race
- Broader Implications for American Judaism
- Sources
Rising Tensions in Jewish Communities
The candidacy of Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor has ignited a firestorm far beyond the five boroughs—reaching synagogues from Las Vegas to Chicago and sparking intense debate among American Jews about identity, safety, and political alignment.
At the heart of the controversy is Mamdani’s public stance on Israel: he has stated he cannot support the nation as long as it remains an officially Jewish state—a position that critics equate with anti-Zionism and, by extension, antisemitism.
Mamdani’s Position on Israel
Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic nominee and potential first Muslim mayor of New York City, has been vocal in his criticism of Israel’s policies toward Palestinians. He has accused Israel of committing genocide during its war with Hamas and maintains that a state privileging Jewish citizens over others is incompatible with his values.
Despite this, Mamdani has repeatedly pledged to protect Jewish institutions in New York amid a documented rise in antisemitic incidents. He has also distanced himself from inflammatory slogans like “globalize the intifada,” which many Jewish leaders interpret as inciting violence.
Rabbis Respond: Over 1,100 Sign Warning Letter
A coalition of more than 1,100 American rabbis recently signed a public letter warning that the “political normalization” of anti-Zionism endangers Jewish safety nationwide. The letter explicitly names Mamdani and asserts that support for Israel is a “cornerstone of Jewish identity.”
Rabbi Felipe Goodman of Las Vegas compared current dynamics to pre-Holocaust Europe, stating from his pulpit: “The gloves have to come off now.” His remarks reflect a growing sentiment among traditional Jewish leaders who fear that silence in the face of anti-Zionist rhetoric could have dire consequences.
Progressive Jewish Groups Push Back
Not all Jews agree with the rabbis’ letter. A coalition of left-leaning Jewish organizations released a counter-statement rejecting what they describe as attempts by “legacy Jewish institutions” to silence progressive and anti-Zionist Jewish voices.
Another group of rabbis emphasized the rise of Islamophobia, arguing that “Jewish safety cannot be built on Muslim vulnerability.” This faction warns against conflating criticism of Israeli government policy with antisemitism—a distinction they say is essential for honest dialogue.
Political Fallout in NYC Mayoral Race
Mamdani’s chief opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo—who is running as an independent—has seized on the controversy, accusing Mamdani of “stoking the flames of hatred against Jewish people.”
While Mamdani’s campaign has declined to comment publicly, polls show a divided Jewish electorate in New York: roughly two-thirds oppose his candidacy, but a significant one-third support him—highlighting the deep ideological rift within the community.
Notably, recent IRS rule changes now allow religious leaders to endorse political candidates without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. Some rabbis have endorsed Cuomo, while others, like Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of Central Synagogue, have refused to take sides to preserve congregational unity.
Broader Implications for American Judaism
This moment marks a turning point in American Jewish life. For decades, communal leaders worried about assimilation and intermarriage. Now, the central anxiety is internal fracture.
“After decades of fixation over Jewish continuity… now the Jewish community is cannibalizing itself,” said Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum of Seattle’s Kavana Cooperative.
Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky of Manhattan’s Ansche Chesed put it bluntly: “I fear this happening to Jews. Frankly, I fear it more than I fear an anti-Zionist mayor.”
As synagogues become battlegrounds for political identity, many rabbis are grappling with how to lead diverse congregations without alienating members on either side of the Israel debate.
Sources
The New York Times: Mamdani’s Candidacy Roils Jewish Communities Across the Country
