New York Jewish Community Reacts to Zohran Mamdani’s Mayoral Win

Zohran Mamdani, the incoming New York City mayor, arrives for a news conference alongside members of his transition team in New York City on November 5. Photo by Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

In New York, the reaction of the Jewish community to Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the race for mayor turned out to be varied: from cautious acceptance to joyful announcements and concerns about the city’s future priorities in policy.

However, on Wednesday morning he said he had phoned the new mayor to offer his congratulations.

«We had a very, very good conversation», – said Schumer. «We said that we care about New York and that we hope for a collaborative effort to help the city and improve it. I congratulated him on conducting a very, very successful campaign».

These comments from the senator illustrate just one side of the diverse mood among Jewish New Yorkers after the election: from cautious acceptance to joy and concern about the city’s future political priorities.

New York Jews had long supported the Democratic pariah, however the mayoral vote revealed a deep split tied to rising antisemitism and Mamdani’s long history of activism as an anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian figure.

Earlier exit polls indicated a split in voting among Jewish voters: about two-thirds supported former governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and about one-third supported Mamdani.

Some leading rabbis and Jewish groups urged their constituents to vote against the Democratic candidate because of his positions on Israel. Other voters, particularly younger ones, viewed his views on Israel as positive or considered them less significant compared with domestic issues such as accessibility, housing, and opposing Donald Trump.

Diversity of views within the Jewish community

According to Lila Corwin Bernstein of New York University, there is a wide range of views among Jewish New Yorkers, with no single political voice or bloc.

«There really wasn’t a case that there existed a single political opinion or political bloc among Jewish New Yorkers, since the time Jews have lived in this city. There has always been diversity of views about what is best.»

During the meeting Mamdani stated his readiness to work with rabbis and community leaders to fulfill the pledge not only to protect Jewish residents of New York, but also to take care of them in the city.

«I look forward to becoming mayor for every person who calls this city home, including Jewish New Yorkers who voted for our campaign and those who did not».

«I want him to succeed. But for now I don’t see that he has proven to me that he deserves my vote», – said Alana Zeitzik, an Israeli-American from Brooklyn, whose family was kidnapped by Hamas.

She left her mayoral vote blank, not supporting Cuomo or Mamdani, noting that overall she supports Mamdani’s aim to make New York accessible, fair, and safe, but questions his understanding of antisemitic and anti-Zionist views, which, in her words, dominate progressive circles.

«I want him to succeed. But right now he hasn’t shown me that my vote is deserved», – she added, describing herself as puzzled by the election results.

Mixed sentiment has heightened concerns about antisemitism and Mamdani’s statements, particularly his positions on Israel boycotts and doubts about Israel’s status as a Jewish state, as well as his promise to arrest Prime Minister Netanyahu. They also ponder how these views will affect the more progressive spaces within the left.

Over the past months Mamdani has sought to reassure Jewish voters worried by antisemitic attacks in Washington and Boulder. He attended Easter services at a party unity event and took part in a Q&A at Congregation Beth Elohim synagogue in Brooklyn, where Senator Schumer is based.

Followers of Mamdani are clearly celebrating the election results.

«Mazl Tov @ZohranKMamdani, Mazel Tov NYC»

Former City Comptroller Brad Lander, one of the most influential Jewish progressive supporters of Mamdani, attended his post-election wrap-up party and posted a photo with a message to Cuomo: «Welcome to NYC».

Groups and leaders of Jewish organizations who had previously criticized Mamdani continue to voice concerns. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) announced the creation of a “Mamdani Monitor” to track the elected official’s policies and appointments, as well as a line for reporting antisemitic incidents.

«We expect the mayor of the city with the largest Jewish population in the world to take a clear stand against antisemitism in all its diverse forms and to support all of his Jewish residents just as he supports all other voters»

Mamdani responded to criticism from Linda Greenblatt and pledged to maintain an open dialogue with all for the city’s sake: «I value the support and intentions of everyone who truly wants the city’s well-being, and I will continue speaking with those who strive for New York’s development».

A joint declaration by several Jewish nonprofit organizations stressed that the elected mayor has convictions worth thoughtfully considering alongside the community’s values. «As we have done for decades, we will continue to work at all levels of government to keep the city safe and respectful for the Jewish community and all residents», the statement reads. «We urge Mamdani and all elected leaders to be guided by humility, inclusivity, and respect for the diversity of thoughts and experiences that define our city».

Bill Ackman, a billionaire and Mamdani’s former campaign rival, congratulated him and offered to help New York: «Now you have a big responsibility. If I can help NYC, just let me know what I can do».

«Now you have a big responsibility. If I can help NYC, just let me know what I can do»

«Although I did not support Mamdani for mayor and have concerns about the unpredictable and negative consequences of his policies, I will do everything possible to help New York regardless of who becomes mayor».

«Although I did not support Mamdani for mayor and have concerns about the unpredictable and negative consequences of his policies, I will do everything possible to help New York regardless of who becomes mayor»

Mamdani replied, emphasizing the value of Ackman’s tweets and his readiness to continue discussions with those truly seeking the city’s welfare: «I value Bill Ackman’s tweet and his sentiments, and I will continue to engage with those who are committed to the city’s well-being and viability».

Attention is now growing to how city leadership will take into account diverse views when shaping policies and what steps it will take to enhance safety and the integration of all New York communities.