As Election Day approaches in New York City, a video from July 2023 featuring Democratic mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani is making waves online. In this video, Mamdani passionately calls for an end to state subsidies for what he refers to as “settler crime,” rallying supporters in Herald Square on July 20, 2023.
During the event, Mamdani shouted, “Not on Our Dime!” while urging attendees to back his proposed state legislation that would prohibit nonprofit organizations from supporting Israeli settlement activities without permission. He posed a challenging question to those present: “Are we ready to end New York State’s subsidies for settler crime?”
Recently, the controversy surrounding Mamdani’s stance has drawn the attention of a well-known New York City rabbi, who, along with 650 other rabbis nationwide, emphasized that Jewish Americans cannot afford to stay silent about issues of discrimination. This rabbi pointedly referenced Mamdani’s anti-Israel sentiments.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa have been vocal about their criticisms of Mamdani, claiming he wouldn’t adequately protect Jewish residents and citing his past refusal to denounce controversial phrases like “globalizing the intifada.”
If elected on November 4, Mamdani would make history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor.
The debate over religion has emerged as a significant issue in this race, with many Jewish voters expressing concern over Mamdani’s views on Israel and his description of the Gaza conflict as “genocide.” Mamdani himself has articulated a firm stance, stating, “We do not recognize the right to exist of a nation that has a class system based on race or religion.”
In a recent debate, he was asked if he regrets his longstanding anti-Israel views. He reaffirmed his commitment to standing up for Jewish New Yorkers throughout his campaign. Reflecting on his upbringing in the city, he remarked on how he learned that contradictions were often accepted when it came to Palestinians, while also supporting universal statements on rights.
Mamdani has previously founded the Students for Justice in Palestine group at Bowdoin College, illustrating his long-standing advocacy for pro-Palestinian causes. In the video, faced with jeers questioning his funding practices as an elected official, Mamdani encouraged the crowd to echo his sentiments, urging for an end to complicity in situations he views as unjust.
He noted, “What we’re asking for is an end to our support as New Yorkers. We realize this battle will be prolonged, but starting is essential for victory.” He expressed concerns that organizations often disguise harmful activities as charitable actions.
Mamdani’s bill, aimed at limiting unauthorized nonprofit support for Israeli settlements, is currently in the New York City Assembly but has yet to make substantial progress. He argues, “There is nothing charitable about property deprivation or violence.” He challenged those in power, asking who is willing to stop making exceptions regarding political support.
This rally took place months before the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which ignited widespread pro-Palestinian protests across the U.S., including in New York City. Mamdani’s team has not yet responded to inquiries regarding his support for the bill if elected or whether his views have shifted due to discussions with Jewish leaders during the campaign.
