Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Nov 9: The election of Zohran Mamdani as the next Mayor of New York City has triggered unease across Israel, with many expressing concern over his pro-Palestinian stance, a rarity in mainstream U.S. politics.

Israelis across political lines fear Mamdani’s victory — in a city with the world’s second-largest Jewish population — could signal a shift in U.S.-Israel relations. The fact that nearly one-third of Jewish voters backed Mamdani added to the shock.

“Very bad. For the Jews, for Israel, for everyone, it’s very bad,” said Hana Jaeger, a Jerusalem resident, reacting to the news.

Though Mamdani’s campaign focused on local issues like affordable housing and childcare, Israelis have zeroed in on his strong criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which he has described as “genocide.” The 34-year-old far-left lawmaker has also vowed to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city and hinted at cutting academic and industrial ties with Israel.

Israeli officials and commentators have sharply condemned the new mayor. Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon warned that the “Jewish community’s sense of security” in New York could be at risk, while Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli posted anti-Mamdani graphics online, even invoking 9/11 imagery, and urged Jews in New York to “move to Israel.”

Analysts say such rhetoric reveals Israel’s anxiety over a changing U.S. political climate. “For a long time, American politics were dominated by pro-Israel voices,” said Mairav Zonszein of the International Crisis Group. “Mamdani’s win shows that this monopoly is breaking, especially among younger Jewish Americans.”

Despite the backlash, Mamdani — who insists he opposes antisemitism and supports Israel’s right to exist — has maintained close ties with progressive Jewish leaders. According to the AP Voter Poll, he won about 30% of Jewish votes.

Celebrating his victory, Mamdani said, “We will build a City Hall that stands steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers and does not waver in the fight against the scourge of antisemitism.”

While Prime Minister Netanyahu has yet to comment, his office emphasized that U.S.-Israel ties remain strong, citing close coordination with the Trump administration on Gaza’s reconstruction and ceasefire efforts.

In contrast, Palestinians in the West Bank welcomed the result. “The election of Mr. Mamdani is truly inspiring,” said Mustafa Barghouti, a Palestinian politician. “It shows that the Palestinian issue has become a moral and political question even within U.S. elections.”