In a move that has stunned many in the pro-Israel community, senior Democratic lawmakers Rep. Jerry Nadler and Sen. Chuck Schumer have offered their support to New York Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist known for his fierce anti-Israel rhetoric and alignment with far-left causes.
Nadler offered the following statement of support:
“Zohran Mamdani’s victory is a seismic election for the Democratic Party that I can only compare to Barack Obama’s in 2008. Voters in New York City demanded change and, with Zohran’s triumph, we have a direct repudiation of Donald Trump’s politics of tax cuts and authoritarianism. New Yorkers want Democrats who will fight for a more affordable New York by bringing costs down and taking on big corporations. And they want elected leaders they can trust and believe in, which is why I’m proud to support Zohran Mamdani in the general election. Zohran is someone who will be a partner with me in Washington to take on Donald Trump. I’ve spoken to him today about his commitment to fighting antisemitism, and we’ll work with all New Yorkers to fight against all bigotry and hate.”
In a podcast interview last week, 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani defended the controversial slogan “globalize the intifada,” describing it as a “desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights.” Mamdani’s remarks sparked widespread condemnation, including criticism from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) CEO Sacha Roytman issued the following statement on the victory of Zohran Mamdani in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary election on Tuesday:
“Along with all New Yorkers, the Jews of New York City are right to be concerned today. New Yorkers deserve a mayor who fights antisemitism, not incites it. Mamdani’s disturbing record of supporting BDS and legitimizing ‘globalize the intifada’ rhetoric should be disqualifying for public office in a city home to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel. We can only hope New York City voters rise to the moment and reject this hate in the general election in November.”
Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and one of the most outspoken critics of Israel in the New York State Assembly, has repeatedly accused the Jewish state of apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and “genocidal warfare.” He has called for cutting U.S. military aid to Israel, supports the BDS movement, and has refused to condemn Hamas by name even in the wake of its October 7 massacre. Despite this, both Nadler and Schumer—long regarded as stalwart supporters of Israel—have chosen to back his re-election bid.
Schumer tweeted on Wednesday:
“I have known Zohran Mamdani since we worked together to provide debt relief for thousands of beleaguered taxi drivers & fought to stop a fracked gas plant in Astoria. He ran an impressive campaign that connected with New Yorkers about affordability, fairness, & opportunity. I spoke with Zohran Mamdani this morning and am looking forward to getting together soon.”
Critics see the endorsement as a shocking betrayal of Jewish voters and a capitulation to the Democratic Party’s radical flank. “It’s disgraceful,” said one former aide to a senior Jewish Democratic leader. “Zohran Mamdani represents a worldview that demonizes Israel and excuses terrorism. Nadler and Schumer know exactly who he is.”
Jewish and pro-Israel groups in New York have expressed deep concern, warning that Mamdani’s growing influence reflects a dangerous normalization of anti-Israel extremism within Democratic politics. Several prominent donors are reportedly reconsidering their financial support for Nadler and Schumer, viewing their endorsement of Mamdani as a red line crossed.
Schumer and Nadler have defended their decision as part of a broader commitment to party unity. But to many observers, the message is clear: in today’s Democratic Party, even figures with records of hostility toward Israel can count on support from its most senior Jewish leaders.
