Zohran Mamdani’s position on Israel has become a critical point of contention in his campaign for the New York mayoralty, where he currently polls second behind Andrew Cuomo.
In the recent primary debate, when asked if he believes Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish state, Mamdani stated, “I believe Israel has the right to exist as a state with equal rights.” Cuomo seized on this, asserting, “Not as a Jewish state,” highlighting the divergence between Mamdani’s views and those of many Democratic primary voters, particularly Jewish New Yorkers, a key demographic in the city.
Mamdani’s long-standing animosity towards Israel has played a significant role in shaping his political career. As a student at Bowdoin College, he co-founded the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a group criticized for fostering an environment that silences dissenting opinions on Israel.
In 2014, Mamdani wrote an editorial describing Israel as responsible for 60 years of “colonial occupation of Palestine,” a statement that suggests he views Israel’s legitimacy as questionable, framing the narrative around Israel’s history as one of aggression and colonization.
His commitment to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel further underscores his hardline stance. While initially allowing dialogue between SJP and the pro-Israel group J Street U, he later enforced a policy of “non-normalization,” inhibiting communication with pro-Israel entities, which indicates a more radical perspective than moderate critics of Israel.
Mamdani’s views did not waver after entering public office. In 2021, he perpetuated unverified claims about taxpayer dollars funding political trips to Israel and marked his advocacy for BDS by leading chants supporting the movement.
He also identified himself with the anti-Zionist movement that year, although he has since attempted to soften his rhetoric, notably avoiding affirmations of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. This ambiguous stance was highlighted following the tragic events of October 7, when Mamdani expressed sorrow for Israeli casualties while neglecting to mention Hamas, focusing instead on criticizing the Israeli government’s actions.
Mamdani advocates for what he perceives as the path to peace, emphasizing the need to end the occupation and dismantle apartheid rather than confronting terrorism directly, further complicating his relationship with pro-Israel voters.
His political initiatives, such as the “Not On Our Dime Act,” aim to penalize New York nonprofits that provide charitable donations to Israeli organizations, arguing that these funds facilitate illegal settlements. However, critics point out Mamdani’s lack of legislative accomplishments in New York, suggesting he devotes more attention to international issues than local governance.
In discussions surrounding military actions, Mamdani has manipulated narratives to align with his critiques. He characterized Israel’s targeting of Hezbollah terrorists as an attack on civilians rather than a legitimate military operation, citing specific casualties to emphasize the human cost of conflict.
Mamdani’s anti-Zionist sentiments extend beyond Israel. He declined to sign a resolution condemning the Holocaust this year, citing his mayoral campaign as a reason for abstaining, revealing a controversial approach to complex historical matters.
Additionally, his interview with Hasan Piker, a far-left commentator known for his incendiary remarks about Jews, raised eyebrows. During the conversation, Mamdani referred to Israel’s military engagements as “genocide,” a claim criticized for its moral and factual inaccuracies.
Mamdani’s stance on campus protests, which have occasionally led to anti-Semitic incidents, reveals a further disconnect with the broader New York electorate. He expressed hesitancy to deploy police in response to protests, a decision framed in the context of student safety yet counter to public opinion, where a significant majority of New Yorkers believe such demonstrations have crossed unacceptable lines.
The debate stage highlighted that Mamdani did not merely misspeak regarding his views on Israel; rather, he articulated a worldview consistent with his longstanding ideology. Behind his progressive rhetoric is a candidate whose focus on international ideological conflicts appears to overshadow pressing local issues affecting New Yorkers.
As Mamdani pursues his mayoral campaign, his positions on Israel will remain a focal point for voters, particularly as he navigates the complexities of New York’s diverse constituency and the implications of his past statements and actions.
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