Over 650 rabbis issued a warning on Wednesday, expressing that the potential election of Zoran Mamdani, a front-runner from the Democratic Socialist Party, could jeopardize “the security and dignity of Jews in every city.” They pointed to his reluctance to denounce what he termed “the globalization of the intifada,” his denial of Israel’s legitimacy, and claims of “genocide,” as noted in a letter by the Jewish majority.
The open letter titled “Rabbi’s Call to Action: Securing the Future of the Jewish People” stated, “We cannot stay silent amid the rise of anti-Zionism and its political normalization in our country.” The signers stressed that Mamdani’s failure to renounce violent rhetoric and acknowledge Israel’s legitimacy contributes to anti-Jewish sentiment and undermines the Jewish community.
Rabbi Amiel Hirsch, president of the New York State Board of Rabbis, highlighted that this kind of rhetoric “delegitimizes the Jewish community and exacerbates hostility toward Judaism,” moving from a mere policy discussion to actual harm against the community.
Rabbi Elliott Cosgrove from Park Avenue Synagogue remarked in the letter that Zionism and Jewish self-determination are integral to Jewish identity. He stated, “Zionism, Israel, Jewish self-determination… these are not just political preferences. They form an inseparable part of my Jewish identity… Asking me to set aside my concerns for Israel feels both nonsensical and offensive.”
The rabbis emphasized, “We do not accept a culture that views Jewish self-determination as negotiable or treats Jewish inclusion as ‘permissible.’” They affirmed that “the safety and dignity of Jews in every city depends on rejecting that false choice.”
They urged Americans who “value peace and equality” to reject any anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric, advocating for political candidates who endorse Israel’s right to exist peacefully and securely.
Moreover, they called upon interfaith and community partners to “stand with the Jewish community in opposing this dangerous rhetoric and affirming the right of Jews to live in safety and dignity.”
This cautionary message, delivered right before the Wednesday night debate, coincides with the onset of early voting, with the signatories stressing the pressing need to combat the normalization of anti-Zionism in public discourse.
“Now is the time for everyone to unite across political and moral divides and reject language that seeks to undermine our Jewish identity and community,” the letter concluded.
