In the days leading up to the New York City mayoral election, a group of rabbis issued a public statement titled “A Call to Action,” which criticized public figures such as Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani. The letter accused Mamdani of refusing to condemn violent slogans, denying Israel’s legitimacy, and accusing the Jewish state of genocide. It further claimed that his support for Palestinian human rights and his critique of Israeli behavior were efforts to “delegitimize the Jewish community and encourage hostility toward Judaism and Jews.”
This argument is not only logically flawed but also dangerous in its conflation of Israel with the religion of Judaism, and by extension, equating criticism of Israel or Political Zionism with antisemitism. This issue has long been a subject of debate, particularly within the Jewish community.
Historically, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, discussions about Zionism among European Jews included competing views. Some saw the connection between Jews and the biblical land of Israel as spiritual, while others viewed it more as a secular cultural bond. While some advocated for cooperation with the Arab population in Palestine, the dominant movement, known as Political Zionism, sought an exclusive Jewish state, aligning itself with British colonial ambitions and portraying Arabs as objects of contempt.
In the early 1920s, a British journalist observed European Jews marching through Jerusalem with Star of David flags, chanting slogans like “Jerusalem is ours.” The local population—Christians, Muslims, and Jews—was confused by the foreign symbols and the marchers’ claims. Those who objected to the march were accused of attacking Judaism, when in fact, they were opposing the idea of a foreign-controlled state that ignored Arab rights.
As British involvement in Palestine became clearer, the Arab population came to understand the implications of these early Zionist actions. Over the following decades, tensions escalated into violence.
While some American Jews supported their co-religionists in Palestine, the majority did not identify strongly with Zionism or Israel, even after the 1948 war and Israel’s declaration of independence.
The 1960s marked a turning point in American Jewish attitudes toward Israel, influenced by the Cold War, the McCarthyite anti-communist movement, and social movements like the civil rights and anti-Vietnam War protests. Films such as “The Exodus” and Israel’s 1967 military victory played significant roles in shifting perceptions.
Despite this growing affinity, Political Zionists continued to equate Zionism with Judaism. In the 1970s, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) published a book arguing that opposition to Israel was a new form of antisemitism, reinforcing the idea that being against Israel was equivalent to being against Jews.
Efforts to pass legislation equating criticism of Israel with antisemitism faced resistance in Congress, but succeeded at the state level. More than three dozen states have since enacted such laws, raising concerns about free speech.
Following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, the ADL and its allies used the opportunity to frame student protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza as threats to Jewish identity. Despite the fact that the protests targeted Israeli policies—not Jews—and polls showing Jewish Americans are divided on the issue, the ADL and Republican lawmakers pushed for restrictions on free speech on campuses. Thousands of students were arrested, suspended, or had their degrees withheld, while faculty supporting them faced retaliation.
During one incident, a Jewish woman carrying an Israeli flag entered a pro-Palestinian demonstration, claiming she wanted to feel safe. Her presence highlighted the complex dynamics surrounding the conflict.
Zohran Mamdani, a New York State legislator and mayoral candidate, has gained significant support from young voters, working-class communities, and immigrants. After winning the Democratic primary, he faces opposition from financial elites and political establishment figures. Despite media narratives suggesting his criticism of Israel threatens Jewish safety, recent polls show he is tied with his main opponent and leads among Jewish voters aged 18 to 45.
Mamdani’s advocacy for Palestinian rights and alignment with international human rights groups does not constitute antisemitism. The real threat comes from those who wrongly equate all Jews with Israel’s actions or use false accusations to undermine a candidate whose only “crime” is speaking truthfully.
As New Yorkers head to the polls, the election of Mamdani would signal a shift in the city’s political landscape. His campaign emphasizes affordability, dignity for working people, and progressive policies that could inspire similar movements across the country.
New York City’s diverse population includes nearly 3.1 million immigrants, representing a wide array of cultures and languages. Many residents face challenges such as high housing costs, healthcare access, and rising education expenses. Mamdani’s platform addresses these issues with proposals like rent freezes, free public transportation, affordable childcare, and increased minimum wages.
His candidacy represents a stark contrast to Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric, which often targets immigrants and minorities. Trump’s approach echoes historical strategies aimed at exploiting racial and cultural divisions, reminiscent of the 1960s Southern Strategy.
Mamdani’s campaign draws parallels to the civil rights movement of the 1960s, where activists fought for dignity, hope, and economic justice. Like Martin Luther King Jr., he emphasizes the importance of equitable wealth distribution and the power of active hope.
Inclusiveness and outreach are central to Mamdani’s vision. Effective leadership in a city as complex as New York requires strong management, diverse representation, and a commitment to serving all communities. A successful administration must be composed of experienced, capable leaders who can navigate the city’s many challenges.
If elected, Mamdani will need to build a transition team that reflects the city’s diversity and expertise. His focus on affordability, dignity, and opportunity could reshape New York’s future and influence national politics. As the city prepares for this pivotal moment, the outcome of the election will have far-reaching implications for its people and its values.
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