Jerusalem,: The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s next mayor has triggered unease across Israel, as many come to grips with the rise of a politician known for his outspoken pro-Palestinian stance—a rarity in U.S. politics.
Israelis across the political spectrum fear that Mamdani’s victory in a city with the world’s second-largest Jewish population could signal a cooling in relations with the United States, Israel’s most important ally. The fact that nearly one-third of Jewish voters supported him has only deepened the concern.
“Very bad,” said Hana Jaeger, a Jerusalem resident. “For the Jews, for Israel, for everyone—it’s very bad. What else can you say?”
While Mamdani’s campaign focused largely on local economic issues such as affordable housing and child care, it is his pro-Palestinian message that dominates discussions in Israel. His victory is seen as evidence of a shifting public mood in the U.S., particularly among younger, progressive Democrats, whose support for Israel has waned since the Gaza war that followed Hamas’ October 2023 attack.
Israeli officials have reacted sharply, branding Mamdani—who is Muslim—an “Israel-hating antisemite.” Analysts say such rhetoric reflects genuine alarm over changing political dynamics in Washington.
“Even where Jewish influence is immense—in politics, culture, and finance—an American can now be elected with an openly anti-Israel label,” wrote Shmuel Rosner of the Jewish People Policy Institute. “It proves that standing against Israel can be politically profitable—or at least not harmful.”
A Deep Connection Strained
Israel has long shared a special relationship with New York City, home to a vibrant Jewish community, kosher restaurants, and the Israeli consulate. Hebrew is commonly heard on its streets and subways.
But throughout his campaign, the 34-year-old far-left lawmaker unsettled Israelis by rejecting the traditional pro-Israel stance expected of New York mayoral hopefuls.
While Mamdani has affirmed Israel’s right to exist, he argues that any political system privileging Jews over others violates his belief in universal human rights—a view many Israelis see as denying the nation’s founding principle as a Jewish homeland after the Holocaust.
He has also called Israel’s Gaza campaign a “genocide”, vowed to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York, and suggested cutting city ties with Israeli institutions over the war.
Mainstream Jewish organizations have accused him of antisemitism, though Mamdani insists he is committed to fighting it and has built alliances with several center-left Jewish leaders. According to the AP Voter Poll, he won about 30% of the Jewish vote.
At his victory rally, Mamdani pledged:
“We will build a City Hall that stands steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers and does not waver in the fight against antisemitism.”
Israeli Officials React
Israeli radio programs and newspapers reflected deep anxiety on Wednesday. UN Ambassador Danny Danon warned that Mamdani’s control over New York’s police could affect the “Jewish community’s sense of security.”
Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs, went further—posting inflammatory images on social media, including a photo of the 9/11 attacks captioned “New York already forgot.” He urged Jewish New Yorkers to emigrate to Israel, calling Mamdani “a Hamas supporter.”
Such extreme reactions, analysts say, reveal Israel’s fear that American politics may be shifting.
“For decades, pro-Israel views dominated U.S. politics,” said Mairav Zonszein of the International Crisis Group. “Mamdani’s win shows that younger American Jews are changing, and pro-Israel politics no longer hold a monopoly.”
Netanyahu Silent, Trump Camp Responds
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far stayed quiet on Mamdani’s win. His office emphasized that U.S.-Israel ties remain strong, highlighting Israel’s ongoing cooperation with the Trump administration, which continues to back Israel’s operations in Gaza.
“We have a bond stronger than ever between Israel and the United States,” said government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian, adding that the election “does not undermine the incredible relationship between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump.”
Palestinians Celebrate
In contrast, Palestinians in the West Bank hailed Mamdani’s victory as a moral triumph.
“The election of Mr. Mamdani is truly inspiring,” said Mustafa Barghouti, a Palestinian politician. “It shows that the Palestinian issue has become a matter of conscience worldwide—even in U.S. elections.”
He added that the win reflects “a growing awakening among America’s younger generations, including Jewish youth, against political and social injustice.”
