Highlights
- Israeli ministers criticize Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City’s first Muslim mayor.
- Ministers call him a “Hamas supporter” and urge Jews to immigrate to Israel.
- Mamdani has repeatedly condemned antisemitism and vowed to protect Jewish citizens.
- He earlier pledged to arrest Israeli PM Netanyahu if he visits New York.
- Mamdani won over 50% of the votes in a three-way race, supported by a diverse voter base.
Israeli Leaders React Strongly to Mamdani’s Win
Several Israeli government ministers have sharply criticized Zohran Mamdani’s election as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City.
Israeli leaders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party described the result as a “turning point” and urged Jewish residents of New York to move to Israel.
Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli posted on social media platform X:
“The city, which used to be the symbol of world freedom, handed over its keys to a Hamas supporter.”
Chikli added that New York has long been home to the largest Jewish community outside Israel and called Mamdani’s victory “a critical turning point.”
“I invite the Jews of New York to consider positively determining their new place in the Land of Israel,” he said.
“Grow smarter, not harder — ঝামেলামুক্ত অনলাইন ব্যবসার শুরু করুন Storola দিয়ে”
Far-Right Leaders Call Election ‘Antisemitism’s Triumph’
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also condemned Mamdani’s victory, saying:
“Mamdani’s election as New York mayor is antisemitism’s triumph over common sense.”
He further labelled the new mayor as “a Hamas supporter, a hater of Israel, and an avowed anti-semite.”
Israeli Ambassador Joins in Criticism
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon also attacked Mamdani’s win, saying:
“Mamdani’s inflammatory remarks will not deter us.”
He promised to strengthen ties with Jewish community leaders in New York. In a radio interview, Danon claimed Mamdani’s leadership could “harm the Jewish community’s sense of security,” as he oversees the police force.
Mamdani’s Stand Against Antisemitism
Before the election, Mamdani had pledged that the New York Police Department would arrest Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited the city, following the International Criminal Court’s war crimes warrant against the Israeli prime minister for his role in the Gaza war.
Despite the criticism, Mamdani has repeatedly denounced antisemitism and promised to stand by Jewish residents.
Read More: Trump Slams Zohran Mamdani’s Historic Win as New York’s First Muslim Mayor
He said during his campaign:
“I’ve said at every opportunity that there is no room for antisemitism in this city, in this country. I’ve said that because that is something I personally believe.”
He also vowed to make City Hall a place
“That stands steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers and does not waver in the fight against the scourge of anti-Semitism.”
Election Results and Broader Support
Mamdani won more than 50% of the votes in a three-way contest, with 91% of votes counted. His voter base included many Jewish Americans who oppose Netanyahu’s government, especially due to the two-year-long Gaza war.
Since October 2023, Israel’s military assault in Gaza has killed around 69,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 170,000 others. The offensive was halted only after a ceasefire deal on October 10, 2025.
Source: Anadolu Agency
