Democrat Zohran Mamdani, known for his strong criticism of Israel, has recently risen as a potential mayoral candidate for one of the most Jewish cities in America. This shift has caught the eyes of many in New York’s Jewish community, indicating an interesting shift in the party’s key voting demographic. At just 33 years old, Mamdani’s democratic socialist ideologies have seen a shocking surge in popularity against competitor Andrew Cuomo. Importantly, his views on Israel are not a causing a hindrance in his Democratic candidacy, quite a significant trend change.
Mamdani has been straightforward in his refusal to back the position of Israel as a Jewish state, and hasn’t shied away from supporting economic tactics such as boycotts to pressurize the Israeli government. He’s shown no hesitation in voicing his support for a ‘global intifada’. His stance managed to garner admiration in a city that houses the largest Jewish community outside Israel, attracting the support of a significant portion of Jewish voters.
Mamdani’s rise seems to be a consequence of changing ideological affiliations of several American Jews, particularly following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack leading to the invasion of Gaza by Israeli forces. Many Democrats, including Jews, have expressed criticism towards Israel’s approach to the conflict, more so towards its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
A noteworthy pointer is that these changing views have been particularly evident in the younger, more liberal demographic. A previous belief proclaiming anti-Israel sentiments as being inherently antisemitic is gradually being rejected by this population segment. However, concern arises in others who fear for their safety and see this as a reduction of Jewish voters’ influence, particularly in light of the recent increase in anti-Jewish hate crime in the city.
Hank Sheinkopf, a veteran Democratic political strategist based in New York, voiced a stark prediction foreseeing religious Jews moving out of the city due to these changes and a subsequent decrease in Jewish influence that could potentially radiate to other regions.
Israel’s situation played a central role in the campaign between Mamdani and his primary Democratic adversary. The former governor labeled antisemitism and support for Israel as ‘the most crucial issue’ of the campaign while Mamdani supporters accused Cuomo of manipulative political tactics.
Comparisons arose between how President Donald Trump dealt with criticism against Israel’s actions, deeming it as antisemitic, and accusing Jewish Democrats of ‘hating Israel and their own religion’. The election results indicated that the voters turned down Cuomo’s rebuttals on the supposed threat of a socialist with pro-Palestinian views towards New York’s Jewish community.
These voters weren’t solely motivated by issues of affordability in this infamously expensive city, or their aversion towards Cuomo following sexual harassment allegations leading to his resignation; some truly agreed with Mamdani’s perspective on Israel. Beth Miller from Jewish Voice for Peace Action, a progressive anti-Zionist group that backed Mamdani, noted that his support among many Jewish voters was because of, not in spite of, his support for Palestinian rights.
Miller also pointed to a significant shift within the Jewish community, with increasing numbers refusing to align themselves with what they perceive as a government committing atrocities against civilians. This trend is reflected in recent polls which indicate a decline in support for Israel since the onset of the war.
Mamdani’s successful run wasn’t the sole instance where Israel was a significant concern for the voters. In Brooklyn, City Councilwoman Shahana Hanif, renowned for her Palestinian advocacy, came under fire. Critics argued she had not adequately responded to antisemitic incidents within her district, a sentiment echoed by Ramon Maislen, a local developer who observed the lack of resonance of antisemitism with voters.
Mamdani’s assurances to take a firm stance against antisemitism have not been able to pacify all, with some Jewish groups and officials expressing anger at his remarks, particularly his refusal to denounce the ‘globalize the intifada’ slogan seen as an incitement to violence against Israeli citizens. Even when presented with the opportunity, Mamdani refused, stating it wasn’t his place to regulate speech, and he assured to protect Jewish New Yorkers during his term.
Mamdani’s support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement targeting Israeli products and services has also stirred controversy. His candid comment stating that he, as a mayor, would arrest Netanyahu if he were to enter the city, was another point of contention. However, in his victory speech, Mamdani acknowledged the criticism, reassuring that he would not change his beliefs, but instead strive to understand and engage further with differing perspectives.
The post Zohran Mamdani: Surprising Rise of a Democratic Socialist in NYC appeared first on Real News Now.
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