Just hours before the final debate for the city hall race on Wednesday, over 650 rabbis from various parts of the country signed a letter expressing their unease about Zoran Mamdani’s candidacy and its effects on the Jewish community.
The letter, released by a group called the Jewish Majority, was signed by 121 rabbis in New York State, including more than 60 based in New York City.
In the letter, the rabbis stated, “We are compelled to speak out against the rise of anti-Zionism and its acceptance in American politics.”
They noted that when public figures, such as Mamdani, fail to denounce inflammatory slogans or dismiss the legitimacy of Israel, it could undermine the Jewish community and foster hostility toward Judaism, as articulated by Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch, president of the New York Board of Rabbis.
Among the signers were prominent leaders from major synagogues and institutions, such as Rabbi Joshua Davidson of Temple Emanuel and Rabbi David Gelfand from Temple Israel. Also included were Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz of Kehilas Jeshurun and Rabbi David Ingber, founder of Romemu.
A recent sermon by Rabbi Elliott Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue was quoted in the letter, where he mentioned left-leaning Democratic candidates as a potential threat to the safety of New York’s Jewish community.
He remarked, “Zionism, Israel, Jewish self-determination—these aren’t just political views; they’re integral to my Jewish identity.”
Cosgrove continued, “To accept me as a Jew while asking me to set aside my concerns for Israel is not only illogical but also offensive. It’s akin to asking me to reject fundamental aspects of my faith.”
The rabbis emphasized the need for society to reject a culture that views Jewish self-determination as negotiable or sees Jewish inclusion as conditional. Their letter underscored that the safety and dignity of Jews hinge on confronting these attitudes.
They concluded by urging all Americans who value peace and equality to engage actively in democracy, opposing anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric and supporting candidates who back Israel’s right to exist peacefully.
“It’s time for unity across political and moral divides, to reject any language that undermines our Jewish identity and community,” they added.
The newspaper has reached out to Mamdani’s team for a response.
As a leading figure in the race and known for his critical stance on Israel, Mamdani supports the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against the nation. He has even declared intentions to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city after winning election.
Despite criticism for not denouncing the phrase “globalizing the intifada,” which many interpret as a violent call against Jews, Mamdani recently advised against its usage.
Nonetheless, he has committed to safeguarding the city’s Jewish population from anti-Semitic acts, proposing to raise funding for hate violence initiatives significantly from $3 million to $26 million.
