Zohran Mamdani’s Win as New York Mayor Worries Israel Over Changing US Views

By Deepika Lama
America News World
November 09, 2025

Jerusalem: The election of Zohran Mamdani as the next mayor of New York City has caused big worry in Israel. Many people here fear it shows that American support for Israel is getting weaker, especially among young Democrats.

Mamdani, a 34-year-old Muslim politician, won the election on November 4, 2025. He beat former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. He will be New York’s first Muslim mayor and the youngest in over 100 years. He is also the first of South Asian descent.

New York has the second-largest Jewish population in the world. Israel has always had strong ties with the city. Many Israelis visit there, and Hebrew is often heard on the streets. But Mamdani’s strong pro-Palestinian views have scared people in Israel.

During his campaign, Mamdani focused on local problems like high costs of housing, child care, and living in New York. He promised free buses, rent freezes, and more help for workers. This helped him win big, even getting about 30% of Jewish votes.

But in Israel, people only talk about his views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Mamdani supports Palestinians strongly. He calls the war in Gaza a “genocide” and says Israel should not favor Jews over others. He believes in equal rights for everyone. He has said he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York. He also wants to cut ties with some Israeli groups.

Many Israelis see this as an attack on their country. Israel was founded as a safe home for Jews after the Holocaust. Mamdani says he supports Israel’s right to exist but wants it to follow human rights rules.

Israeli leaders reacted strongly. Minister Amichai Chikli called Mamdani a “Hamas supporter” and told New York Jews to move to Israel. He shared old photos of the 9/11 attacks, saying New York has forgotten. Ambassador Danny Danon worried about Jewish safety because the mayor controls the police.

Analyst Shmuel Rosner said even in a city with so much Jewish power and money, someone anti-Israel can win. This shows standing against Israel can help in politics now.

Prime Minister Netanyahu stayed quiet at first. His office said US-Israel ties are still strong, thanks to President Trump.

Some experts say this win shows change in America. Younger Jews and Democrats are less supportive of Israel because of the Gaza war, which started after Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023.

Mamdani fights back against hate claims. He says he will protect Jewish New Yorkers and fight antisemitism. At his victory party, he promised a City Hall that stands with Jews.

In the West Bank, Palestinians were happy. Leader Mustafa Barghouti called it inspiring. It shows young Americans, including Jews, want justice for Palestinians.

One Jerusalem resident, Hana Jaeger, said the win is “very bad” for Jews, Israel, and everyone.

Jewish groups in New York have mixed feelings. Some worry about safety and support for Israel. Others supported Mamdani for his plans on affordable living and fighting hate. 54 55

Mamdani’s win is historic. He is a democratic socialist who excited young voters. Turnout was the highest in decades.

Israel fears colder relations with its top ally, the US. But Mamdani’s team says he will work for all New Yorkers, including Jews.

This election shows big changes in US politics. The Palestinian issue is now part of American votes. For Israel, it is a warning about losing support abroad