Jewish Democrats on Capitol Hill have expressed worries over Congressman Zoran Mamdani’s recent success in winning the Democratic primary for New York City mayor. They argue that his refusal to endorse the idea of “globalizing the intifadas,” as well as not recognizing Israel’s existence, could pose a risk amid the growing anti-Semitism in the U.S.
Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, stood out in a crowded primary field last month primarily due to his focus on the city’s affordability. Nonetheless, his rise to prominence has been met with intense scrutiny, especially regarding his views on Israel and the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, further fueled by his remarks following the attacks on October 7.
These comments have alarmed many Jewish Democrats in Congress, particularly because Mamdani is in a position to lead the city with the nation’s largest Jewish population.
Insiders have noted that the issue is generating conversations among various small groups in Washington.
Some members have voiced strong opinions, saying, “By condemning the term ‘globalize intifadas,’ they’re showing a blatant disregard for anti-Semitism and terrorism. It’s quite concerning.” One representative remarked that candidates promoting dangerous rhetoric can incite violence, emphasizing that this behavior is unacceptable and questioning Mamdani’s readiness for leadership.
Another Democratic representative from Illinois, Brad Schneider, criticized Mamdani’s use of the phrase “globalization of the intifadas,” claiming it has been misrepresented as a “peaceful call.” He accused Mamdani of disregarding the perspectives of concerned citizens.
I think Rep. Jared Moskowitz, from a Florida district with a significant Jewish population, captured the sentiment well by stating that if Mamdani cannot properly communicate the implications of his words, it only complicates the situation further.
The reactions among Jewish Democrats in New York have been notably more intense. Rep. Jerold Nadler, a senior member of New York’s delegation in the House, initially backed Mamdani just after the primary.
While Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Representative Dan Goldman issued cautious statements regarding Mamdani, Goldman, during a recent discussion, emphasized the importance of protecting New York’s Jewish community.
Goldman remarked, “Both Zoran and I want to improve the lives of vulnerable New Yorkers. As he continues his campaign, he needs to condemn anti-Semitism and ensure safety for all New Yorkers.”
Mamdani was approached for comments following these concerns. At a press conference leading up to the primary, he asserted that there was no room for anti-Semitism in the city or the country, expressing his hurt at being labeled anti-Semitic given his connections with the Jewish community.
Born in Uganda and a Muslim, Mamdani stirred controversy in mid-June after rejecting the phrase “globalize the intifadas” during a podcast interview. This phrase has often been linked to violence against Israel from the late 1980s onward.
In a recent interview, Mamdani acknowledged that anti-Semitism is a real issue but compared it to the language used by politicians like Trump, claiming he isn’t one to restrict terminology. He pointed out the frustration among those advocating for Palestinian rights but reiterated his stance on the matter.
After winning the primary, Mamdani maintained his position during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” despite facing repeated questions about his phrasing.
According to a survey by American Pulse, 30% of respondents indicated they would be more inclined to vote for Mamdani after learning about his stance on BDS and the “globalization of intifadas,” while 52% said they would be less likely to support him, with a margin of error of 4 percentage points.
Mamdani faced backlash for not recognizing Israel as a Jewish state. In a debate, when asked if he acknowledged Israel’s Jewish character, he only affirmed its right to exist, which he reiterated in later interviews.
Rep. Greg Landsman criticized Mamdani’s viewpoint, noting the context of rising anti-Semitism, citing specific incidents where Jews were targeted.
Despite the concerns raised, not all in the party share the same view. Along with Nadler, Rep. Jamie Raskin advocated for inclusion and argued that Mamdani shouldn’t be penalized for not using potentially controversial phrases.
Raskin stated, “We must advocate for human rights for all, and much of what we’ve heard from him aligns with that. The globalizing of intifadas isn’t his message.”
Nonetheless, apprehensions remain among many Jewish leaders who warn that Mamdani’s stance and rhetoric could prove problematic, especially considering the significant Jewish population in New York. Harry Soifer, head of the American Council on Jewish Democracy, emphasized the importance of his stance, particularly in light of the current climate of rising anti-Semitism, underscoring that such attitudes could be unacceptable for someone vying to be mayor in a city with a large Jewish community.
