Anti-Zionist Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City — here's what he has actually said about Israel

Anti-Zionist Zohran Mamdani Elected Mayor of New York City

The fiercely contested New York mayoral race concluded on Tuesday night with Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani declared the winner. The 34-year-old assemblyman from Queens secured 50.4% of the vote, outperforming former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who received 41.3%, while GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa trailed with 7.5% after 75% of votes had been counted around 9:40 p.m.

A Referendum on Israel and Gaza

For many New Yorkers, the election was perceived as a referendum on Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza. Mamdani’s political career has long been shaped by his strong opposition to Israel’s policies and his involvement in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Mamdani’s Views on Israel

“Israel is an apartheid state,” Mamdani has stated repeatedly.

His outspoken criticism of Israel and advocacy for Palestinian rights have made him a figure both celebrated and controversial. Supporters hail him as an unwavering defender of justice for Palestinians, while critics, including several Jewish community leaders, argue that his rhetoric fuels antisemitism and legitimizes groups antagonistic to Israel’s existence.

A Turning Point in New York Politics

Mamdani’s victory signifies a striking transformation in New York’s political landscape. As the first openly anti-Zionist mayor of a city with the world’s largest Jewish population outside Israel, his win underscores the deepening divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel and the evolving nature of Jewish identity in progressive political circles.

Author’s Summary

Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York mayor reflects a major political shift, highlighting tensions among Democrats over Israel and reshaping the city’s progressive identity.

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Unpacked Unpacked — 2025-11-05

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