Mamdani Has Broken New York’s Jewish Political Consensus
Mamdani’s reception among Satmar Jews reveals New York’s fractured Jewish consensus over Israel, Zionism and communal power.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has emerged as a figure who defies New York's traditional Jewish political consensus. Rabbi Zalman Leib Teitelbaum, the Satmar Rebbe of Williamsburg, has vehemently rejected claims that Mamdani is anti-Semitic, placing him at odds with many Jewish organizations that have accused him of making the city less welcoming to Jews. This situation underscores how challenging it is to treat New York's Jewish community as a single political entity.
Teitelbaum's stance is rooted in Satmar's longstanding opposition to Zionism, which is deeply rooted in religious beliefs, rather than Mamdani's progressive politics. The Rebbe invoked a biblical commandment to seek the welfare of the city in which Jews reside, advocating for constructive relations with governing authorities. This approach contrasts with the anti-Zionist sentiment of many liberal Zionists who may oppose Mamdani due to his views on Israel.
While Satmar leaders have found common ground with Mamdani based on their shared religious tradition, progressive Jewish groups have aligned with him for various reasons, such as opposition to Israeli policies or broader political alliances with City Hall. Despite this, Jewish groups that are willing to cooperate with Mamdani do so for diverse and sometimes conflicting reasons.
New York's Jewish politics is increasingly becoming a web of individual relationships rather than a unified bloc. This fragmentation makes it difficult for politicians and community institutions to rely on anti-Israel sentiment as a predictor of political alliances. Recent polls, including a 2026 Pew Research Center survey, indicate that a majority of Jewish Americans view Israel positively, while a separate poll of New York City Jews found that two-thirds believe opposition to Israel's existence undermines Jewish identity.
The divide over Mamdani is not solely about his stance on Israel, but also encompasses political access, community interests, and ideological differences. This was evident when Orthodox leaders met with the mayor at City Hall in March, with some Orthodox leaders criticizing the meeting as legitimizing a hostile politician and others arguing that avoidance would be counterproductive.
Despite this, Mamdani continues to forge alliances with Jewish constituents without relying on traditional Jewish organizations. This shift in how Jewish leaders navigate New York's political landscape challenges the assumption that shared views on Israel automatically lead to political unity. As Mamdani continues to engage with individuals across various denominations, the city's Jewish community is witnessing a new dynamic in political engagement.
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