Despite Zohran Mamdani's vocal support for the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement and unease among Jewish leaders, top New York Democrats Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Jerry Nadler swiftly embraced his New York City mayoral bid, The Jewish News of Northern California reported.
Mamdani's surprise success in the Democratic mayoral primary has upended New York politics and rattled many Jewish leaders, who view his support for the BDS movement as a break from precedent. Mamdani appears on a glide path to the nomination, though ranked choice vote counting will determine the final outcome next week.
Schumer, the Senate minority leader and a longtime self-described "shomer" (guardian) of Israel, spoke with Mamdani the day after his apparent victory and offered public congratulations.
"I have known @ZohranKMamdani since we worked together to provide debt relief for thousands of beleaguered taxi drivers & fought to stop a fracked gas plant in Astoria," Schumer posted on X. "He ran an impressive campaign that connected with New Yorkers about affordability, fairness, & opportunity."
Nadler, a pro-Israel voice in Congress representing parts of Manhattan, went further by issuing a full-throated endorsement.
"Voters in New York City demanded change and, with Zohran's triumph, we have a direct repudiation of Donald Trump's politics of tax cuts and authoritarianism," Nadler said. "I've spoken to him today about his commitment to fighting antisemitism, and we'll work with all New Yorkers to fight against all bigotry and hate."
Their support stood in contrast to growing anxiety within the Jewish community.
Mamdani has pledged not to visit Israel if elected — a break from a tradition upheld by every New York City mayor since 1951. And if his nomination is confirmed next week, he will be the first Democrat nominee for mayor to openly back the BDS movement, which critics say delegitimizes the Jewish state.
"Our Jewish community is strong and resilient," said the UJA Federation of New York in a statement. "We know there is a lot of concern right now — but we'll not waver in our values ... for our community's needs, for Israel, and for all New Yorkers."
Rabbi Moshe Hauer of the Orthodox Union said in a statement, "The safety of all New Yorkers — including Jewish New Yorkers — is the single greatest responsibility of the Mayor of New York. That safety has been deeply impacted by the rhetoric and actions of those whose opposition to Zionism has driven them to work to instill fear and intimidation in Jews who support Israel."
Still, Schumer's embrace and Nadler's endorsement underscore the seemingly evolving priorities of Democrat leadership, which has increasingly aligned with progressive domestic policies. Mamdani's platform includes a plethora of liberal Democrat vote-harvesting freebies such as rent freezes, free city buses, expanded sanctuary laws, and universal child care.
Some Jewish groups welcomed Mamdani's rise, including Jews for Racial and Economic Justice. Others remain cautious.
"It's really going to be on him to clarify a lot of his personal views," said Sara Forman of the New York Solidarity Network.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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