With only two weeks until Election Day, a notable rabbi from New York City is advising his congregation to think twice about voting for Democratic Socialist Zoran Mamdani in the mayoral race.
Mamdani is currently leading the pack for the position at Gracie Mansion, outpacing independent candidate former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Both opponents express concerns that Mamdani will not safeguard the interests of Jewish New Yorkers if he wins in November.
Rabbi Elliott Cosgrove, who leads the Conservative Park Avenue Synagogue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, stated, “We firmly believe that Zoran Mamdani poses a threat to the safety of New York’s Jewish community,” sharing his message during a service this weekend.
Recently, Rabbi Amiel Hirsch and members of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue criticized Mamdani for allegedly “fanning the flames of intolerance” and urged Democratic candidates to rethink their stances on Israel’s legitimacy as a state.
If elected, Mamdani would be New York City’s first Muslim mayor.
Polls continue to show Mamdani with a double-digit lead over his rivals in this high-stakes race.
During the Democratic primary, Mamdani faced backlash for not denouncing the phrase “globalization of the intifada,” which was interpreted by many as a call for violence against Jews. Critics noted that his reluctance to condemn such rhetoric raised red flags about his commitment to protecting Jewish residents.
In his defense, Mamdani explained that he refrains from using police terminology but indicated a willingness to discourage the use of that phrase after discussions with the Jewish community.
It’s worth noting that New York City hosts the largest Jewish population outside of Israel.
The upcoming election is taking place against the backdrop of student protests regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza, following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, with Columbia University seeing a notable rise in anti-Semitic incidents.
Mamdani, a co-founder of the Palestinian Justice Student Organization at Columbia, is vocal about his criticisms of Israel’s role in Gaza. He argues against any form of hierarchy based on religion or race and does not acknowledge Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.
Both rabbis expressed concern that Mamdani’s stance on Israel undermines its legitimacy, with Cosgrove emphasizing that Mamdani’s intent to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he were to visit the city reflects a dangerous viewpoint.
While the U.S. has not adhered to an International Criminal Court warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest for alleged war crimes, Mamdani insists he would take action if elected.
Cosgrove remarked, “He poses a risk to the political landscape for Jewish organizations in New York,” adding that issues like Zionism and Jewish self-determination are core to his identity.
The rabbi spent considerable time explaining why supporting Mamdani would be counterproductive for Jewish interests, echoing sentiments from influential figures like CEO John Catsimatidis and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who argue that voting for Sliwa could inadvertently help Mamdani’s campaign.
In recent days, Catsimatidis and Ackman pressured Sliwa to resign from the race to consolidate the opposition to Mamdani.
Interestingly, the New York Post Editorial Board has also joined the call for Sliwa to withdraw, though he has indicated that he will remain in the race.
Mamdani’s campaign has not yet responded to inquiries for comment.
