Jewish politicians and organizations in Israel and around the world reacted sharply this morning (Wednesday) to the election of Zoharan Mamdani as mayor of New York, attacking his pro-Palestinian positions, and expressing concern for the peace of Jews in New York.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said that the election of Mamdani, a "Hamas supporter, Israel hater and outspoken anti-Semite," will remind the world of how anti-Semitism has overcome common sense. "Like the Jews of New York, I am also concerned about the change, but at the same time, I am confident in the righteousness of our path as a country. We will continue to fight all our enemies with all our might and not hold Israel-haters to account.".
Yisrael Beiteinu Party Chairman, MK Avigdor Lieberman, said: "The man who supported Hamas, attacked Israel, and blamed the West for all the world's troubles was elected mayor of New York.
""Just three decades after the Twin Towers disaster, New York elected a racist, populist, and avowed Shiite Islamist as its mayor. Mamdani is the poster boy for the silent jihad. Mamdani is the last thing a city suffering from crime, anti-Semitism, and insecurity needed.".
"His election is also a resounding wake-up call to New York Jews who desire to immigrate to the place where they belong - the Land of Israel. This is where they belong.".
Minister of Diaspora and the Fight against Anti-Semitism Amichai Shikli attacked: "The city that was once a symbol of global freedom has handed its keys over to a Hamas supporter, to someone whose positions are not far removed from the jihadist fanatics who murdered 3,000 of its people 25 years ago.".
""The choice made by New York undermines the foundations of the place that provided freedom and an opportunity for success to masses of Jewish refugees from the late 19th century, a place that became the stronghold of the largest Jewish community in the world outside of Israel. New York is walking with open eyes into the abyss into which London has plunged.".
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu said he was not surprised by the results because New York Jews, he said, are Jews who hate Jews. "They have been walking among us since the beginning of our history, sometimes on the margins of society, and sometimes in key positions," the minister said. "It's a painful reality, but it's true, and we see them in Israel too.".
In Hadash, they congratulated him: "Mamdani's victory shows that growing publics around the world are saying 'no' to the politics of hatred, corruption, and despair of the right. The world is awakening and demanding values of equality, democracy, and social justice. Today, New York, we will fight to make it so here.".
The Anti-Defamation League said that in light of Mamdani's "long and disturbing record on issues of deep concern to the Jewish community," they will be required to be decisive over the next four years.
""We expect the mayor of the city with the largest Jewish population in the world to stand unequivocally against anti-Semitism in all its forms and to support all Jewish residents of the city, just as he would support all other voters. We will act resolutely and without compromise to ensure the safety and security of all Jews in New York. We will not give up or relent in realizing our central goal - to protect the Jewish people," the organization said.
Sasha Roitman, CEO of the Movement to Combat Anti-Semitism, said the election results are very bad news.
""Anti-Semitism in the US is breaking records every day, and the results at the polls simply reflect the mood on the streets." He mentioned that the Jewish community in New York makes up about 11% of the city's population but already suffers over half of the city's reported hate crimes.
""One of the largest Jewish communities in the world deserves a mayor who fights anti-Semitism, not one who incites it," said Roitman. "We will continue to stand with New York's Jewish community, fight anti-Semitism on a daily basis, and closely monitor the new municipal government to ensure that city authorities fulfill their duty to protect all New Yorkers.".
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