RNS: Mamdani would be New York’s first Muslim mayor. His support transcends religious identity.
(RNS) — In a recent interview, a journalist asked me about what many see as Zohran Mamdani’s “Achilles heel” — his standing with Jewish New Yorkers.
It’s no secret that Mamdani has been ferociously critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling Israel’s campaign there a genocide and Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu a war criminal.
No doubt, the young candidate lacks support among some Jewish leaders. Sara Forman, executive director of the New York Solidarity Network, said of Mamdani: “We disagree … with his values.” Orthodox Union Vice President Moshe Hauer issued a statement calling for Mamdani to “prioritize the safety and security of New Yorkers — including Jewish New Yorkers — over his strong feelings about what happens overseas.” Even the chairman of the New York Democratic Party, Jay Jacobs, declined to endorse Mamdani, citing disagreement with his stance on Israel.
