Schumer Labels Opponents of Israel as Antisemites

Senator Chuck Schumer has described individuals who oppose the existence of Israel as a Jewish state as antisemites, an assertion that could apply to figures like Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Democratic hopeful Abdul El-Sayed.

During an event at the New York Public Library in May 2025, where he discussed his book “Antisemitism in America, A Warning,” the Senate Democratic minority leader offered his perspective. He remarked, “To be anti-Zionist — to not believe the Jewish people should have a state — is, in my view, a form of antisemitism.” This comment was made while he faced heckles from pro-Palestinian demonstrators.

He elaborated, stating, “If you believe every other people should have their own state, but the Jewish people should not, that is antisemitic.”

Mamdani encountered backlash during last year’s mayoral campaign when he hesitated to express a clear stance on whether he believes Israel should exist as a Jewish state. However, he later stated, “I believe Israel has a right to exist and it has a right to exist also with equal rights for all,” in a May 2025 event hosted by the UJA-Federation.

The mayor has been a vocal critic of Israel, advocating for the contentious Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement against the Jewish-led state. He has made serious accusations regarding alleged genocide in Gaza and did not participate in this year’s Salute to Israel Day Parade.

Mamdani also attracted attention by calling for the arrest of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for supposed war crimes in Gaza.

Recently, Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly, labeling Mamdani an antisemite who has contributed to a rise in hatred and enhanced risks for Jewish communities in New York.

Despite his criticisms of Israel, Mamdani asserts his support for Jewish New Yorkers and claims to have a “zero tolerance” policy towards antisemitism and bigotry.

On a similar issue, Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed attempted to shift the narrative when questioned about Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. He responded, “I do not. I just dispute the idea that you should have an ethno-state,” mentioning other countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia in his argument.

In a recent interview, he challenged the focus on Israel’s existence, pointing out that “nobody has ever asked me if Palestinians have a right to exist.” He stressed that the primary concern should be whether taxpayer funds are allocated to Israel, which he criticized for supporting policies he labels as genocide and apartheid.

El-Sayed maintained that the question surrounding Israel’s existence should not divert attention from the broader issues of rights and dignity for all people involved.

Neither Schumer, Mamdani’s office, nor El-Sayed’s campaign provided immediate comments on the matter.

Recently, the NYPL hosted an event featuring Benjamin Moser, a Jewish author critical of Israel, who controversially compared the Jewish state to a “dog shelter” in his book “Anti-Zionism, a Jewish History,” which critiques Israel’s identity as a Jewish-led nation. The NYPL emphasized its commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives on contentious issues.