Jewish college students across New York City say they are “scared” and “deeply unsettled” by the election of Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as mayor, warning that his record and rhetoric could embolden antisemitism and further divide a city already shaken by years of anti-Israel protests.
In interviews with Fox News Digital, students from Columbia University, Barnard College, NYU, and Baruch College described an atmosphere of fear and exhaustion as Mamdani prepares to take office on January 1, 2026, after defeating former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.
“I think it’s a huge blow to the New York City Jewish community,” said Aidan Herlinger, a student at Baruch College. “We’re looking at someone who has shouted out the Holy Land Five in a rap song — which he still hasn’t taken off his Twitter — who’s supported ‘globalize the Intifada,’ and refused to condemn it. That’s such a dangerous precedent.”
Herlinger was referring to Mamdani’s past social media activity and comments that critics say reflect hostility toward Israel. Mamdani, the Queens assemblyman-turned-mayor-elect, rose to prominence within the Democratic Socialists of America and has faced scrutiny for his outspoken pro-Palestinian activism and refusal to denounce slogans such as “From the river to the sea.”
At Barnard College, senior Eliana Birman expressed fears that Mamdani’s ideology could push the city in an unstable direction. “We have never seen a socialist country that has actually worked,” Birman said. “This may be a major downfall if Mr. Mamdani is actually able to act on his policies that he’s stated that he wants to enact.”
New York’s campuses have been flashpoints for antisemitic protests since the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attack on Israel. Columbia University, in particular, became a national symbol of unrest: in April 2024, students and outside activists seized the East Butler Lawn, erecting a pro-Palestinian encampment and chanting “From the river to the sea.” In May 2025, protesters stormed Butler Library, renaming it “Basel Al-Araj Popular University” after a Palestinian terrorist. Both events ended with mass arrests.
At NYU, students say they’ve faced open hostility. “Some of us hide our identities,” said Mera Skobolo. “We’ve been screamed at. We’ve been blocked out of our own library during finals week. We’ve had professors yell at students — not support students. We want to feel protected by our elected officials. A lot of us are scared. The past two years on college campuses across New York City have been difficult for Jewish students.”
Despite his controversial history, Mamdani has publicly pledged to combat antisemitism. After his election victory, he promised, “We will build a City Hall that stands steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers and does not waver in the fight against the scourge of antisemitism.”
Still, many students remain unconvinced. TJ Katz, a Columbia University student, said the symbolism of Mamdani’s mayoralty could have a chilling effect on Jewish students. “You will undoubtedly see students feel inspired by what [Mamdani] says and what he wishes,” Katz said. “I think more than anything else, the mayor of New York City serves as a role model and a figurehead. He has the ability to put X, Y or Z policies in place, but I unequivocally believe the most impact that Mamdani will have is how he influences others to act.”
Others questioned Mamdani’s silence on accusations of antisemitism within his own family. “The call is coming from inside the house,” said Shoshana Aufzien, a Barnard student. “We have a lot of systemic issues we need to work through. But the fact that Mamdani has never acknowledged his father’s anti-Semitism or condemned it is pretty telling.”
Aufzien warned that Mamdani’s rise will test the city’s limits of tolerance. “I think it’s going to be a big litmus test for my campus and also New Yorkers generally — to see if they can tolerate a mayor with such radical policy proposals,” she said.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
One Response
We can’t keep waking up politically only when it’s already too late. The Orthodox community shows up in big numbers – but always at the eleventh hour, after others have built their coalitions and shaped the story.
This election should be a wake-up call. Had we engaged early, built relationships, and made our concerns known before the primaries, we could have influenced the direction long before voting day. Even now, sustained, respectful pressure has already shifted rhetoric – imagine what real, ongoing engagement could achieve.
It’s time to move from reactive to proactive, from crisis voting to long-term strategy. Influence is built early – not on Election Day.