Mamdani Faces GOP Attacks, Divides Jewish Voters

The 2025 New York mayoral race has deepened divisions within the city's Jewish community over Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani's outspoken criticism of Israel. Republican Jewish Coalition leaders and other conservatives have seized on his past comments — including resurfaced 2023 remarks about the Israeli army and the NYPD — to portray him as emblematic of Democratic extremism. Critics also point to his past support for BDS and proposals such as arresting Benjamin Netanyahu, while political rivals like Andrew Cuomo call him inexperienced and out of step with mainstream Democrats. Prominent rabbis, including Angela Buchdahl, have warned against normalizing anti‑Zionist rhetoric but largely stopped short of endorsements to preserve congregational inclusivity. Mamdani says many Jewish Americans share his human‑rights‑based criticisms of Israel and seeks to build broad coalitions around justice and progressive domestic policies. With record early turnout and intensified scrutiny, the contest is being framed as a referendum on antisemitism, Israel policy and progressive activism as Election Day approaches.