Jews Who Support Mamdani

In the last week, more videos have emerged demonstrating New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s obsessive hatred of Israel.  During a panel at the 2023 Democratic Socialists of America’s national convention, he said, “We have to make clear that when the boot of the NYPD is on your neck, it’s been laced by the IDF.”   Additionally, in an effort to blame the problems of his city on Israel, he said, “You have so many opportunities to make clear the ways in which that struggle over there (Israel), is tied to capitalists interests over here.”

He has defended suicide bombers as soldiers, repeatedly refused to condemn the violent and threatening phrase, “Globalize the Intifada,” falsely accused Israel of genocide, and announced he would attempt to have Prime Minister Netanyahu arrested as a war criminal if he came to New York.  His hateful preoccupation with Israel has been well documented and rises to the level that many Jews in New York are concerned they will be less safe if he wins.

Recognizing the danger, over 1,000 rabbis signed a letter opposing Mamdani. Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of the Conservative Upper East Side Park Avenue Synagogue gave a sermon that went viral in which he said,  “To be clear, unequivocal, and on the record: I believe Zohran Mamdani poses a danger to the New York Jewish community.”

And yet, despite what should be obvious, polls ranging from as high as 43% (and on the low end, 21%) show that Jewish voters in New York intend to vote for him.  Prominent Jewish actors and media personalities have unabashedly endorsed Mamdani. This week, a campaign video produced in partnership with the organization "Jews for Racial and Economic Justice" was released, which includes four self-described rabbis expressing open support for Mamdani.

In the best case scenario, these Jewish poll responders, celebrities and these rabbis seem to be putting their liberalism and progressivism ahead of their Jewish identity and loyalty to Israel.  They are prioritizing being part of a socialist movement over the safety and preservation of their own families and their people. In the worst case scenario, they are not making a choice between two things (progressive politics and Jewish identity) they embrace, rather they substituting one for the other, rejecting their Jewish identities. Either way, it is deeply troubling.

Standing Strong

This segment of our people failed to learn the lesson of Abraham, who is referred to as Ha’Iviri.  While the literal translation means Abraham “the Hebrew,” our rabbis share another layer of interpretation. Ha’ivri meanis mei’eiver, on the other side.  When the whole world took one position and stood on one side, Abraham had the courage to stand out, remain true to the vision and to the will of the Almighty.  He had the courage and confidence to stand on the other side, even if it meant standing alone.

This mayoral election is hardly the first time members of our people chose to stand with their own haters.  Nor did this behavior begin with the many Jews who tragically donned keffiyehs and spent two years protesting against Israel’s right to defend itself. When after over two centuries of slavery and persecution, our people were redeemed from Egypt, the Torah tells us that 80% stayed behind, wanted to remain part of the very society and culture that had oppressed them.   They chose to stay attached to their oppressors, comfortable in their captivity, unwilling to walk toward freedom.

Standing Together

It’s hard not to look at those Jews for Mamdani, look at Jews who join “Free Palestine” rallies, and be disheartened and say, “This is our generations 80%.  They are choosing Egypt over Israel, Socialism over Judaism, they are irredeemable and hopeless.”  But that would be to neglect another part of Abraham’s legacy.

Abraham didn’t just stand apart, he also reached back. When his nephew Lot, who had already parted ways with Abraham, was taken captive, the Torah describes Lot as achiv, Abraham’s brother, even though Lot was not actually his brother. Abraham didn’t say, “Lot made his bed, let him lie in it.” He didn’t cancel him, mock him, or write him off. He felt the responsibility to his brother and went to rescue him.

Abraham teaches us that being on the other side doesn’t mean turning our backs. It means standing strong for what’s right while still extending a hand to bring others along.

And maybe as this election approaches, that is a lesson for us. We have to follow Avraham Ha’Ivri and stand proudly, courageously, on the side of Judaism, of Israel, of truth. But we also have to be like Abraham the uncle—the brother—the one who never gives up on family.

Those Jews supporting Mamdani are still part of our family. They are misguided, confused, maybe even lost, but they are ours. The goal isn’t to shame or scorn them; it’s to love them back into the light. We can disagree deeply while still caring deeply. We can hold firm to our principles without hardening our hearts.

Abraham teaches us that being on the other side doesn’t mean turning our backs. It means standing strong for what’s right while still extending a hand to bring others along.

That’s our challenge, and that’s our calling, to stand where Abraham stood, with unrelenting conviction in one hand but compassion in the other.