Zohran Mamdani’s triumph in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary has jolted the political establishment, but what’s even more surprising is the degree of Jewish support he secured despite his openly anti-Zionist – and arguably antisemitic – record.
Mamdani, a Muslim progressive who has championed boycotts of Israel and made no secret of his sympathies for Palestinian activism, nonetheless attracted an estimated 20% of the city’s Jewish vote — a stunning figure given New York’s reputation as a global center of pro-Israel advocacy.
Mamdani, whose platform includes plans to dramatically expand housing access and slash transit costs, positioned himself as a champion of social and racial justice. That message, combined with his promise to boost funding for anti-hate initiatives by 800% and to protect the independence of Jewish religious schools, resonated among a younger generation of Jewish voters skeptical of Israel’s policies but focused on bread-and-butter city concerns.
“He talks about rent, he talks about fairness, he talks about safety — and that’s what people want,” said Jeremy Feldman, a Reform Jewish voter in Harlem. “I might not share his Middle East views, but he’s honest about what he believes.”
Mamdani’s wife, Rama Dawaji, has drawn her own share of headlines. An artist with a long record of provocative pro-Palestinian imagery, she has been unapologetic in her criticism of Israel, going so far as to showcase images of keffiyeh-wearing demonstrators trampled by riot police. Yet Jewish voters seemed more focused on Mamdani’s domestic priorities than Dawaji’s art.
Lest you think this is just a Reform issue: It isn’t clear how many Orthodox Jewish voters cast a ballot for Mamdani, but voting records make it clear that the number is far from zero.
With the general election approaching, Mamdani appears well positioned to defeat independent incumbent Eric Adams. But observers say the true test will come during moments of crisis, such as a new wave of protests over Gaza or a high-profile Israeli visit.
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15 Responses
They’re not Jews. They are liberals who happen to have Jewish ancestry.
It’s not at all “INSANE” when one considers that the alternative was Antiochus.
Define “Jewish”. New York has been using secret ballots for 150 years, and there is no box for ethnicity or religion on any official records. Self-identification is flawed given that most Americans are a mixture of a wide variety of ethnic groups. A meaningful poll would combine political questions with questions to identify who is Jewish (e.g. keep kosher, keep Shabbos, what sort of synagogue do you go to) – but accurate polling would be very expensive. Less accurate, but cheaper, data would check polling places where there is a high percentage of frum Jews, and try to extrapolate the results.
I don’t think they supported Mamdani directly but with Rank Choice the votes may have gone to him!
“Lest you think this is just a Reform issue: It isn’t clear how many Orthodox Jewish voters cast a ballot for Mamdani, but voting records make it clear that the number is far from zero.“
Probably neturei karta and satmar
This is stunningly low, considering that “Jewish” includes all kind of people and how many of actual Jews are progressive. The only question is about Jews who did not vote. Anyone here?
This means 20% of Jews WHO VOTED. There are many who just did not bother to vote.
Frum. Jews. Will NEVER VOTE For this Islam fascist, Nazi terrorist and criminal supporter this evil and dangerous cockroach no from Jew on the planet would vote for this cockroach ever ever. Only the leftist liberal self hating radical unaffiliated Jews would they are traitors
Jew Bastards!!!
why is it “insane” to vote for a local mayor with ” domestic priorities” in mind?
why is it “insane” to vote for someone who doesn’t support the antisemitic zionist regime?
He’s good for the poor. Not all jews are comfortable. If a jew doesn’t have money to feed his family, why shouldn’t he or she vote for Mamdani when he promises to raise the minimum wage to $30/hour?
Were the election judges at the Jewish cemetaries
SharonPR
Are you insane??? He will make people poorer. A little understanding of economics would go a long way for people such as yourself.
Not hard to comprehend that many Jewish voters are adverse to someone that:-
1) Murdered 15,000 innocent elderly, probably including grandparents of many voters
2) Closed all Shuls in Frum neighborhoods over הושענא-רבה שמיני-עצרת שמחת-תורה
Hence that 20% resorted to tactical voti
Many business and companies will move out of NYC just the exact same scenario that occurred In Boston.
Jews. Be aware, If he hats Israel he hates Jews In general. Those who vote for him will feel it on their own skin.
Is there no other well positioned candidate capable of running and winning this thug ?
There is still a chance now to defeat him.
Anybody here that would run against him that is capable of defeating him ?