Mamdani recently received backlash for refusing to sign onto a pair of resolutions recognizing Israel and the Holocaust.REUTERS
| Published May 26, 2025
Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, labeled New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as “dangerous” for both the city’s residents and its Jewish community. Hikind criticized Mamdani’s reluctance to affirm Israel’s identity as a Jewish state and questioned why Jewish organizations would engage with him.
Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and state assemblyman from Queens, has been a vocal supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. He has also introduced legislation aimed at halting New York funding for Israeli settlements. His positions have drawn criticism from various quarters, including Mayor Eric Adams, who, in a closed-door meeting, referred to an unnamed mayoral candidate as antisemitic—a remark widely interpreted as targeting Mamdani.
Mamdani has defended his stance, emphasizing his commitment to combating antisemitism and advocating for equal rights. He has pledged to increase funding for hate violence prevention if elected mayor. Despite trailing former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, Mamdani has garnered significant grassroots support, particularly among younger and progressive voters.
Mamdani led the “Boycott, divestment and sanctions” chants..The DSA lawmaker has been criticized for his comments about Israel recently.Zohran Kwame Mamdani/Facebook
Earlier this week, a social media clip emerged of Mamdani leading a “BDS” chant.Gina M Randazzo/ZUMA Press Wire / SplashNews.com
The implications of the controversy surrounding NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani are significant on multiple levels—political, social, and electoral:
1. Deepening Divisions in Democratic Politics
Mamdani’s candidacy—and the backlash from figures like Dov Hikind—highlights the growing divide within the Democratic Party between establishment figures (like Andrew Cuomo or Eric Adams) and the progressive wing (like Mamdani). This ideological split could:
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Fracture voter bases.
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Force Democratic candidates to take clearer stances on Israel and antisemitism.
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Complicate efforts to unify the party ahead of the 2025 mayoral race.
2. Redefining Antisemitism in Public Discourse
Accusations against Mamdani, a Muslim and vocal critic of Israel, raise key questions:
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Is criticism of Israel inherently antisemitic?
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What role should identity and international politics play in local elections?
This controversy may reshape how antisemitism is discussed, potentially broadening or narrowing the definition based on political leanings.
3. Impact on Jewish and Muslim Communities
Tensions could increase between Jewish and Muslim communities in New York, especially if the mayoral race becomes further racialized or polarized along religious lines. This could affect:
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Community relations.
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Interfaith dialogue.
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Safety and policy priorities for both communities.
4. Electoral Consequences
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Mamdani may lose centrist and Jewish voters but gain further support from anti-establishment progressives.
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The controversy could energize both sides, leading to increased turnout.
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Mainstream media coverage, depending on its framing, may influence undecided voters.
AP Photo/Kathy Willens
Overall Takeaway:
The controversy around Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral candidacy is that his campaign has become a flashpoint in a larger cultural and political battle over what constitutes antisemitism, the boundaries of progressive activism, and the future of Democratic politics in New York City.
His critics see his positions on Israel as dangerous and indicative of deeper ideological extremism, while his supporters argue he represents a new, inclusive generation of leadership willing to challenge the status quo. The debate isn’t just about Mamdani—it’s about where NYC is heading politically, and who gets to define justice, equity, and public safety in a deeply diverse city.
SOURCES: TOWNHALL – NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani ‘Dangerous,’ Americans Against Antisemitism Founder Says
THE NEW YORK POST – NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani doubles down on BDS support — won’t say Israel has right to exist as Jewish state
NEWSMAX – Dov Hikind to Newsmax: NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani ‘Dangerous’
