NEW YORK – Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, continues to fuel controversy with his outspoken positions on Israel and his support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. In a recent interview with journalist Jacob Kornbluh, Mamdani reiterated his controversial views, including his unwavering support for BDS, a movement widely criticized for its antisemitic undertones.
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Mamdani, who has faced scrutiny for his history of making inflammatory statements about Israel, once again doubled down on his stance. He remains an advocate for BDS, despite its condemnation by Jewish groups and organizations worldwide. While he has publicly expressed support for BDS in the past, Mamdani’s refusal to distance himself from the movement during the interview underscores his continued commitment to this divisive cause.
Zohran Mamdani, an Israel critic running second to Cuomo in the NYC mayoral race, is making a pitch to Jewish voters.
He believes he can win over some, despite his views on the Gaza war and support for BDS.
I sat down with him last week. Interview below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/TkWXqRCwWX
— Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) April 28, 2025
His position on Israel has sparked backlash from various sectors, particularly the Jewish community, which has long viewed BDS as a form of delegitimizing Israel. Critics argue that Mamdani’s stance promotes harmful narratives that paint Israel as an illegitimate state and fails to acknowledge the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Last year, Mamdani made waves when he publicly stated that he would support the New York Police Department (NYPD) arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he were to visit New York City under an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). While this comment was not made during his most recent Kornbluh interview, it remains a significant part of his record. Critics point to this as evidence of Mamdani’s willingness to take extreme actions that undermine the U.S.–Israel relationship and could provoke diplomatic tensions.
NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist from Queens, says he’d order the NYPD to arrest IsraeliPM Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city, even though the U.S. is not a party to the ICC pic.twitter.com/1SMxjnRdZu
— Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) November 26, 2024
Mamdani’s remarks about Israel have also raised eyebrows in light of recent comments made by Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who mocked Israeli hostages from the October 7 Hamas attacks. When asked about Piker’s comments, Mamdani refused to condemn Piker’s rhetoric, further solidifying his alignment with figures whose views are seen as hostile to Israel and Jews in general. “I don’t go around policing what individuals say online,” Mamdani stated, dismissing concerns over antisemitism.
David Greenfield, CEO of the Met Council and a prominent voice in New York’s Jewish community, has sharply criticized Mamdani’s stance. “Mamdani’s refusal to disavow BDS and his troubling comments about Israel are dangerous and demonstrate a lack of respect for our city’s values,” Greenfield said. “His rhetoric is not just divisive—it’s harmful. It incites hatred, and it weakens the bond that New York City shares with Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.”
While Mamdani claims to oppose Hamas’ violent tactics, his rhetoric and associations with extreme anti-Israel figures suggest a troubling lack of clarity and sincerity when it comes to condemning terrorism and supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.
Political analysts and members of the Jewish community have voiced concerns about Mamdani’s candidacy. “His refusal to disavow BDS and his soft stance on antisemitism signal a dangerous trend,” said Rachel Stein, a political commentator. “Mamdani’s views undermine New York City’s diverse fabric and its relationship with key allies like Israel.”
As Mamdani’s mayoral campaign gains momentum, his controversial views are likely to remain a major point of contention. With many in New York’s Jewish community watching closely, it remains to be seen whether these positions will hurt his chances in the race for mayor.
Key Takeaways:
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BDS Support: Zohran Mamdani supports the BDS movement and says it’s grounded in international law and human rights.
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Israel Criticism: He has accused Israel of committing near-genocide in Gaza and supports the arrest of Netanyahu if indicted by the ICC.
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Jewish Voters: Despite controversy, Mamdani says he has support from some Jewish constituents who respect his candor.
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Condemns Hamas: Mamdani called the Oct. 7 Hamas attack a “horrific war crime,” but refuses to disavow controversial allies like Hasan Piker.
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Critics Push Back: Opponents, including Andrew Cuomo and activist Whitney Tilson, say Mamdani is inflaming antisemitism.
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Progressive Platform: Mamdani’s campaign centers on local progressive issues like elder care, housing, and tenant rights.
Any member of the Democratic Socialists of America running for public office cannot represent the Jewish community of NYC. Period.
The only Jewish votes he could get would be the few dozen Neturei karta lunatics, Although their Jewishness is questionable.
any yid that votes for him is voting for, chas v’shalom, for the next churbon.
I didn’t know that AOC had a doppleganger.
If not next year, then the election after that, not only in NYC but in Jersey too. Smell the coffee, yidden. Wake up.
regular antisemite vs the famous self-hating jew, I remember him running around like a lunatic during COVID, finding minyanim to call 911
He probably does have support from some Sunday bagels lox and ham Jews, but this guy is evil. Why even interview him and give him a platform?
Isn’t Jacob Kornbluh the famous Covid Musser?
MadMani not Mamdani
Our old friend kornbluth from the covid traitor days. Lovely to see him
The Muslim community in NYC has quadrupled through large birthrate, four wives, chain immigration and open borders. They are a large, troubling voting bloc, so Jews must stick together. Antisemitism has increased since 2019 by 820%. Very little has been done to stop it. Our children on college campuses are abused, unable to study, harassed, barred from classrooms. Whether you agree with it or not, we have a large number of bright Yeshiva students on college campuses studying architecture, business, accounting, medicine, technology, nursing,. . . who want to be able to support their large families, pay Yeshiva tuitions, give charity, own a comfortable home with a backyard. Jewish professors are denied tenure and fired. Visible and non visible Jews are attacked in their neighborhoods, on trains and buses and in the streets of NYC.
Giving this Muslim anti semite Gracie Mansion will let those who dream of Sharia Law and a Caliphate, including this candidate, if he deems himself a “good Muslim” and sits in his mosques listening to Imam’s speeches, a headstart. Just like in England, where ten mayors of major cities are Muslims and one cannot even speak English, –the same is happening in America. There are 4 million Muslims in England among 66 million people and there are 3000 mosques, yet Muslims pray in the streets, stopping traffic, showing their strength and control. I should be shocked the English gave in, but I’m not. I was in London and I’m not going back. They voted in Starmer, a supporter of Fakestinians and 2 state solution, a tragedy. England is gone, as is France, where only 250,000 Jews remain, many leaving everyday. Canada is gone, a a Liberal Leftist, who supports Islamists, was again voted in, no different than Justin Trudeau. Canada’s Jews and Jewish institutions are under virulent attack.
In NYC , we have Muslims and pro Fakestinians already sitting in the seats of local offices and on the bench. Do not even give the pro Fakestinian candidate any credit. He is supported by Soros, CAIR, Peace in Our Lifetime,. . and many other Leftist Organizations.
Cuomo was no friend to the Jews when he was governor. He is an arrogant low life. He accused religious Jews of spreading Covid for opening Yeshivas and attending Levayas.No apology should make this OK. It’s unacceptable! Cuomo knows this, too. He ordered nursing homes to open their doors to dying Covid patients, even though Trump sent him two ships, built and completely outfitted for Covid care. Why? For no other reason than Trump sent the hospitals and Cuomo would not cooperate with Trump, so people lost their lives. That’s manslaughter, contributing to the death of innocent people. If it were your grandparents, you would be furious. He knew exactly what the result would be. He’s not demented. He’s arrogent!
He is an unreasonable, arrogant man, who worships himself.
He opened all the prison in 12/19 and let vicious rapists, murderers, killers roam the subways and streets of NY, defying arrests . . . . No way can he be our mayor. Out of all of the fools running, Eric Adams, on the Independent ticket, is respectful to his Jewish population. I don’t care if Adam’s got a first class seat on Turkish airlines. He treats our community well and we can work with him. He is advised by more Jews on his committees than any other mayor. He has stood with Israel, in spite of Hochul, and the pro Fakestinian protestors. He’s far from perfect, but so far the best candidate for the city; against BDS, against Hamas or a 2 state solution.
Besides Sliwa, who are the Republicans?
This is what the left is. For all of Trump’s faults and shortcomings, he is better than this. Voting for Trump was the right thing to do.
can someone call the cops, kornbluh doesn’t have a mask
If he doesn’t win now, he will definitely win in 10 years as the Muslim population grows
Why would anyone, in their right mind, interview this POS CHOLERA. Let him go to where the sun don’t shine, speedily by taking a long walk on a short bridge !
The Democratic Socialists are not actually socialists. Nor are the National Socialists.
“Despite controversy, Mamdani says he has support from some Jewish constituents who respect his candor.”
I am certain that Dog Emhoff and his daughter support him.
Mamzeri.
Mamdani voted for assisted suicide this week, no to murderers (that means no to cuomo also)
I heard that satmar leaders made a deal with him for vouchers can someone confirm?
Too bad we can’t focus on New York issues instead of stupidity.
Israel is last thing on the list a Jew in New York should have in mind when voting for a mayor of New York. If it should be on the list at all.