NYC Mayor Race: Jewish Community's Fear After Mamdani's Victory

Concerns about antisemitism are rising in New York City following Zohran Mamdani's win in the Democratic mayoral primary. Many Jewish residents express fear and uncertainty about the future.

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2025/06/931/523/zohran-mamdani-nyc-mayor-race.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Assemblyman and NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani">

Ben Soffer, a social media influencer, voiced his concerns, stating that he's considering leaving the city due to escalating antisemitism. He points to Mamdani's refusal to explicitly condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada", a slogan with clear anti-Jewish undertones, as a major source of anxiety.

Mamdani, a self-described socialist, has repeatedly avoided directly condemning the phrase, instead emphasizing his focus on governing. This ambiguity, coupled with his other policy proposals such as public grocery stores, is further stoking concern among the Jewish community and political leaders. Criticism includes concerns about the potential devastating effects of his grocery store proposals on the city's food supply and accusations of economically illiterate policies.

Key Figures and their Reactions

• Zohran Mamdani: The Democratic mayoral nominee, has faced criticism for not explicitly condemning the phrase "globalize the intifada." He argues that the mayor should not police speech.
• Ben Soffer: A social media influencer who expressed deep fear and concern for the safety of the Jewish community in NYC under Mamdani's potential leadership.
• Hakeem Jeffries: The House Minority Leader, has also called on Mamdani to clarify his stance on the phrase.

The situation is further complicated by Mamdani's general election opponents: Republican Curtis Sliwa and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams (who is running as an independent). The election will determine the direction of New York City and the future of its Jewish community.

The debate surrounding Mamdani's response highlights the complex intersection of anti-Zionism and antisemitism, and the anxieties within the Jewish community regarding the future of their place in NYC.