Jewish voters are expressing significant concerns about Mayor Zoran Mamdani, with many feeling uneasy or even threatened by his views on Israel and those of his associates, according to a recent poll.
A survey conducted by Honan Strategy Group posed the question: “Do you think Jewish voters in New York have reason to feel threatened by Zoran Mamdani’s comments and some of his allies, or is this an overreaction fueled by politics?”
Results showed that 53% of Jewish respondents felt threatened by Mamdani’s comments, while a majority of non-Jewish voters (55%) believed that this reaction was largely politically motivated.
“There’s definitely a sense of nervousness among Jewish voters regarding Mamdani. There’s palpable tension and concern,” remarked Bradley Honan, the group’s CEO.
Other findings included:
- Fifty-four percent of Jewish voters believe that Mamdani’s stance is exacerbating divisions, a sentiment not shared as strongly by non-Jewish voters.
- Over half (51%) of Jewish respondents see his election as an alarming indication that anti-Semitism is becoming more accepted within progressive politics, whereas 61% of non-Jewish respondents consider it a healthy display of diverse opinions.
- A significant 69% of Jewish voters and 46% of non-Jewish respondents think it’s inappropriate for mayors to meddle in foreign policy, fearing that actions like arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could harm New York’s international reputation.
Mamdani had pledged during his campaign to arrest Netanyahu as a war criminal.
- Seventy-one percent of Jewish voters believe that criticizing Israel’s military actions today might be construed as anti-Semitic, compared to 51% of non-Jews who see this as part of legitimate discourse.
- Sixty-one percent of Jewish participants feel that the progressive criticism towards Israel has made anti-Semitism seem more acceptable, while just 37% of their non-Jewish counterparts agree.
- Additionally, 63% of Jewish voters want a mayor who firmly supports the Jewish community and opposes rhetoric that may normalize anti-Semitism.
- On the flip side, 53% of non-Jewish voters believe New York needs a leader willing to challenge U.S. backing of Israel, even if it may alienate some constituents, a view only 32% of Jewish respondents share.
Responses among Jewish voters were notably divided on further questions.
When asked to consider whether Mamdani’s criticism represents valid policy disagreements or crosses a line into anti-Semitism, the results were mixed.
- While 53% of non-Jewish voters and 47% of Jewish voters felt his critique reflects legitimate policy differences, 23% of non-Jews and 40% of Jews believed that he incited anti-Semitism.
Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist and has previously served as a state lawmaker, is known for his strong anti-Israel activism, supporting the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement against Israel.
His election marks the first time in modern history that a mayor has taken a stance against Israel rather than in support of it.
The poll surveyed 848 voters between December 4th and 12th, with a margin of error of ±3.36 percentage points.
The subset of Jewish voters included 131 respondents, with a margin of error of ±8.56 percentage points.
As mayor, Mamdani has promised to actively combat anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry.
