Why are so many Jews in New York supporting Zoharan Mamdani?

New York City, the largest Jewish city in the world outside of Israel, is home to about one million Jews.

No political representative can ignore this ethnically, religiously, politically, and culturally diverse community.

The New York City mayoral election is set to be held on November 4. Zoharan Mamdani received 67 percent of the votes of Jews under the age of 44 in the primary for the Democratic Party mayoral candidate. According to the survey, he received a total of 43 percent of the votes of Jews overall.

Zoharan Mamdani is regularly portrayed as an anti-Semite. Despite this, this Democratic Party mayoral candidate has garnered widespread support from Jews. A section of Jewish supporters have formed an organization called ‘Jews for Zoharan’ to campaign on his behalf.

In addition to individual supporters, the organization includes supporters of various Jewish organizations, including Jews for Racial and Economic Justice and Jewish Voice for Peace. The Jewish organization is campaigning not only within its own community but also among the general public in New York.

Middle East Eye spoke to some of the Jews who are supporting and campaigning for Zohran Mamdani.

Jacob Bloomfield is campaigning for Zohran with thousands of campaigners. He says that everyone in society should have access to basic rights such as housing, healthcare, education, transportation, nutritious food and security. But these elements of a stable life are now beyond the reach of many.

Bloomfield says that even those who were considered middle class 30 years ago are struggling to survive today. This is completely unacceptable. Zohran is the only candidate who really thinks about the depth and tragic reality of this situation.

This Jewish supporter of Zohran says that he has entered the election campaign. Because talking to people face to face and exchanging ideas is the most basic and important part of politics. According to him, young Jews are supporting Zohran. Because, they think, Israel does not represent them. They are more concerned about the struggle to survive in New York.

‘I love his principles’

Actor and comedian Matt Ketai (36) has been a regular participant in Zohran Mamdani’s election campaign. He said, ‘I believe in Zohran’s personality. I love his principles, I love his ideas. He is lively and energetic. He really loves New York and wants to make this city a better place. I don’t see that in any other politician.’

Matt is concerned about the anti-Islamic statements and the campaign that is being carried out against Zohran by former New York governor and independent mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo and others.

Matt said, “The way Islamophobia is being spread and the false accusations of anti-Semitism are being made, I feel less safe as a Jew.”

This Jewish supporter of Zohran also said, “The safety of Muslims and Jews depend on each other. I believe that Zohran will do many things that will be good for the Jewish community and for the whole of New York and will make us feel safe.”

New York journalist Caleb Espiritu-Bloomfield is also supporting Zohran because of his energetic attitude. He said, “I feel the same enthusiasm now that I felt during the rise of Barack Obama.”

The journalist believes that Zohran will not be able to fully implement election promises such as suspending rent or introducing free buses. However, he believes that Zohran will try his best. Because he knows what the people of New York, regardless of race or religion, want.