As the New York City mayoral race heats up, candidates are making efforts to woo Jewish voters. However, some local community leaders are not thrilled about the options available, including New York State Assemblyman Zoran Mamdani.
Recently, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who leads among Democrats, received an endorsement from a Hasidic leader in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This comes as a recent opinion survey indicates Mamdani is critiqued for his staunch anti-Israel stance, which sets him apart from the disgraced ex-governor.
Moreover, Hasidic leaders in Williamsburg have placed New York City Council Chair Adrian Adams as their second choice in the mayoral race, utilizing ranked-choice voting in the primaries.
On Monday, numerous Hasidic groups from Brooklyn’s Rose Park voiced their support for Adams, with an orthodox tenant leader backing him shortly after. Additionally, Cuomo is reported to have support from Bobov sect leaders.
Former New York State Senator Dov Hikind expressed concern regarding the excitement, or lack thereof, in the Jewish community for this election cycle. “I’ve never seen so little enthusiasm in a [mayoral] race. I specifically view Mamdani as a risk to the Jewish community and to all New Yorkers,” he remarked.
Hikind went on to express that the current choices are particularly alarming given the ongoing challenges facing the Jewish community, highlighting discussions around anti-Semitism and security.
Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed his intention to run on two independent lines in the upcoming election. One of these lines will spotlight his stance against anti-Semitism. He established a Mayor’s Office to Combat Anti-Semitism earlier this year.
Yet, Hikind has raised questions about the disparity between Adams’ rhetoric and his actions as mayor, wondering why certain measures weren’t taken sooner. “The talk is cheap, and it’s tangible actions that matter,” he emphasized.
Political consultant Hank Sheinkopf noted that Cuomo seems to have some traction with observant Jewish voters ahead of the Democratic primary, although he pointed out that they do not fully represent the broader Jewish electorate. He also mentioned a growing support for Mamdani among younger, less traditional Jewish voters.
Mamdani has previously stated he would not necessarily need to visit Israel if elected, asserting his commitment to Jewish New Yorkers from New York City itself. His responses have sparked discussion among community members regarding his approach to issues pertinent to Israel.
The campaigns for Adams, Cuomo, and Mamdani did not immediately reply to requests for comments, leaving many questions about their strategies and perspectives unanswered.
