Democratic socialist Zoran Mamdani provided crucial backing to veteran state senator John Liu in the New York City mayoral race on Monday, despite notable differences regarding Israel.
Liu, an influential Asian-American politician from Queens, remarked that he didn’t perceive any “significant differences” stemming from their Palestinian backgrounds, and even encouraged New York Democrats to prioritize Mamdani in the June 24 primary.
“We have a major disagreement. This is about Israel and how we ought to view the Jewish community within this social context,” Liu stated to reporters outside city hall.
“Although I don’t share his views, we’ve had honest discussions. He has maintained his sincerity throughout,” Liu added.
When probed about the nature of their disagreement, both politicians from Queens largely sidestepped specifics.
“Zohran has made various statements previously, and I differ with him on many issues concerning Israel and the Jewish community,” Liu, a long-serving Democrat, noted.
Despite questions for further clarification, Mamdani refrained from discussing his more contentious perspectives, including support for Palestinian-led boycotts and the BDS movement.
“My approach is grounded in non-violent politics,” Mamdani emphasized.
“I’ve often reflected on how to communicate with and engage the families of hostages in Israel over the past 18 months,” he shared.
Liu acknowledged Mamdani’s grassroots fundraising efforts, pointing out that he doesn’t rely on major donors.
Mamdani also brought attention to his plan to establish a community safety department aimed at addressing hate crimes and combating anti-Semitism.
“We refer to this as Muslim New Yorkers. There has been a rise in anti-Semitic incidents in the city, along with increasing Islamophobic incidents. We need a mayor who recognizes the innate humanity in every New Yorker and works to protect all of them,” Mamdani asserted.
