Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic mayoral candidate in New York City, has recently reaffirmed his support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. During an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” he stated that BDS serves as a means to pressure Israel to adhere to international law.
Mamdani’s Stance on BDS
Dismissing concerns from the Jewish community, Mamdani emphasized that his criticisms are directed at the Israeli government, not the Jewish people themselves. He remarked, “I think critiques of the state of Israel are critiques of a government, as opposed to critiques of a people and of a faith.”
Concerns from Jewish Leaders
Jewish leaders in New York City have raised alarms that Mamdani’s election could endanger the safety of the city’s Jewish population. Underlining this sentiment, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of the Conservative Park Avenue Synagogue described Mamdani as a potential threat to community security.
- Rabbi Cosgrove warned: “I believe Zohran Mamdani poses a danger to the security of the New York Jewish community.”
- Opponents, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, echoed these concerns, suggesting Mamdani would not safeguard Jewish New Yorkers.
Past Controversies
Mamdani has faced backlash in the campaign for his controversial remarks and actions. While running in the Democratic primary, he refrained from condemning the phrase “globalize the intifada,” a term viewed by many as inciting violence. Although he later distanced himself from the phrase, critics remained skeptical of his intentions.
At a rally in 2023, Mamdani advocated for a state assembly bill aimed at prohibiting not-for-profit organizations from supporting Israeli settlement activities. He passionately questioned whether New York should continue subsidizing what he termed “settler crimes.”
Future Administration Plans
Regarding the BDS movement, he was posed a question about its potential implementation during his administration. Mamdani responded, “I’ve said that I would support and have supported non-violent movements to bring about compliance with international law.” He indicated that under his leadership, he would ensure adherence to such laws.
Mamdani concluded his interview by asserting his commitment to representing all New Yorkers, including those within the Jewish community. “I will do so no matter their thoughts and opinions on Israel and Palestine,” he stated, emphasizing his role as a unifying figure for the diverse opinions in the city.
