Concerns Rise Among Jewish Students in New York City Following Mayor-Elect’s Victory

Jewish students in New York City are expressing fears about the implications of Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani’s recent victory, describing it as a significant setback for the Jewish community in the city.

Students from institutions like Columbia University, Barnard College, and Baruch College shared their concerns with various outlets, highlighting anxieties ahead of Mamdani’s inauguration on New Year’s Day.

“This is a major blow to the Jewish community in New York City,” Aidan Hellinger from Baruch College remarked. “We’re talking about a person who once shouted ‘Holy Land Five’ in a rap. He hasn’t even taken it off Twitter, and his praise for the globalization of the intifada without condemning it is alarming. I see this as a very troubling sign.”

Eliana Berman, a student at Barnard College, voiced her skepticism too, saying, “I’ve yet to see a socialist system that works effectively. If Mamdani moves to implement his proposed policies, it could lead to serious issues.”

New York universities have seen intense protests since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In April 2024, a significant encampment on Columbia’s East Butler lawn featured chants like “From River to Sea,” criticizing Israel and its people.

In May 2025, protests escalated further with demonstrators occupying the Butler Library and rebranding it, showing a pronounced shift in campus sentiment.

Many were arrested during these highly charged demonstrations.

Similarly, New York University also experienced protests, with students outside the library loudly claiming “Tel Aviv is stolen land” and calling for an “intifada revolution,” showcasing a rise in tensions.

“Some of us hide who we are,” Mela Scoboro from NYU disclosed. “People yelled at us. We were even locked out of the library during finals. Professors seemed to side against us instead of providing support.”

“We just want to feel safe and supported by those in power,” she added. “Many of us feel anxious. The last couple of years have been really tough for Jewish students in New York City.”

In the aftermath of his election, Mamdani promised to foster a City Hall that actively supports Jewish residents and combats anti-Semitism.

According to Columbia University student TJ Katz, Mamdani’s influence as mayor could significantly shape student perceptions about the Jewish community. “It’s clear that the mayor acts as a role model and representative. While he can promote specific policies, his strongest impact may be in how he encourages others to behave.”

Mamdani recently defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, with his official swearing-in scheduled for January 1, 2026.

Shoshana Aufzien from Barnard College also expressed her concerns, stating, “We have major systemic issues to tackle. The fact that Mamdani hasn’t acknowledged his father’s past anti-Semitic views or condemned them speaks volumes.”

“This election is a vital test for my campus and for everyday New Yorkers to see if we can handle a mayor with such radical policy ideas,” Aufzien noted.

Attempts to reach Mamdani and the universities for comment did not yield responses before publication.