Israel’s far-right Minister of Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, has called on Jewish residents of New York City to consider emigrating to Israel following the election of Zohran Mamdani as the city’s mayor. Chikli’s remarks came in the wake of Mamdani’s victory, which he characterized as a troubling development for the Jewish community, labeling Mamdani as a “Hamas supporter” on X (formerly Twitter).
In his statement, Chikli expressed concerns about the implications of Mamdani’s policies, stating, “The city that once stood as a symbol of global freedom has handed over its keys to a Hamas supporter.” He further urged Jews in New York to “seriously consider making their new home in the Land of Israel,” reflecting a growing unease within some segments of the Israeli government regarding Mamdani’s political stance.
Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic candidate, has been a vocal critic of Israel, describing its actions in Gaza as genocidal and referring to the Israeli state as an “apartheid regime.” His election has sparked significant backlash from Israeli officials, including Itamar Ben Gvir, who echoed Chikli’s sentiments by asserting that “anti-Semitism has triumphed over common sense.”
The election results, which saw Mamdani earn the support of a diverse coalition, also drew criticism from prominent figures such as former President Donald Trump. In a late attempt to influence the race, Trump branded Mamdani a “Jew hater” on his social media platform, Truth Social, just days before the election.
Despite the attacks on his character and background, many New Yorkers expressed pride in Mamdani’s victory, viewing it as a step toward greater representation for Muslims in politics. Bukhtawar Waqas, a Pakistani American physician, shared her excitement, stating, “For the first time in a very long time, I feel hope—as a Muslim, as a Democrat, as an American, as an immigrant.”
Mamdani campaigned on a platform that emphasized issues affecting working-class citizens, including free public transportation, childcare, and a freeze on rent for stabilized apartments. His election not only marks him as the first Muslim mayor of New York City but also as the first mayor of South Asian heritage and the first mayor born in Africa.
In his victory speech, Mamdani vowed to create an inclusive city where all faiths are respected. “No more will New York be a city where you can traffic in Islamophobia and win an election,” he declared, pledging to stand alongside Jewish New Yorkers in the fight against antisemitism.
The backlash against Mamdani’s win highlights the tensions within the Jewish community regarding his policies and the broader implications for American politics. As New York moves forward under Mamdani’s leadership, the discourse surrounding identity, representation, and political ideology will likely continue to evolve.
