Schumer and Nadler back anti-Israel NY mayoral candidate Zohran Mandami

The anti-Israel New York Assemblyman beat Cuomo, who expressed firm Israel support, handily, even though New York City has the highest Jewish population of any city in America.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler lent their support to an anti-Israel, socialist mayoral candidate for New York whose victory over former governor Andrew Cuomo shocked New Yorkers, particularly the Jewish community.

The New York assemblyman handily beat Cuomo, who expressed firm Israel support, even though New York City has the highest Jewish population of any city in America.

In the mayoral debate, Mandami, a co-founder of Students for Justice in Palestine at Bowdoin College, refused to say he believed Israel should remain a Jewish country.

He also defended the call at anti-Israel protests to “globalize the intifada,” claiming it merely expresses a “desperate desire for equality and equal rights for Palestinians.”

Nonetheless, Nadler and Schumer, both Jewish, praised Mandami and congratulated him on his victory.

“Zohran Mamdani’s victory is a seismic election for the Democratic Party that I can only compare to Barack Obama’s in 2008,” Nadler said. “Voters in New York City demanded change, and with Zohran’s triumph, we have a direct repudiation of Donald Trump’s politics of tax cuts and authoritarianism.”

“New Yorkers want Democrats who will fight for a more affordable New York by bringing costs down and taking on big corporations,” he continued. “And they want elected leaders they can trust and believe in, which is why I’m proud to support Zohran Mamdani in the general election. Zohran is someone who will be a partner with me in Washington to take on Donald Trump. I’ve spoken to him today about his commitment to fighting antisemitism, and we’ll work with all New Yorkers to fight against all bigotry and hate.”

“I have known Zohran Mamdani since we worked together to provide debt relief for thousands of beleaguered taxi drivers & fought to stop a fracked gas plant in Astoria,” Schumer posted on X. “He ran an impressive campaign that connected with New Yorkers on the issues of affordability, fairness, and opportunity. I spoke with Zohran Mamdani this morning and am looking forward to getting together soon.”

Not only are many Jews in New York shaken by Mandami’s victory; they also expressed anger at statements made by Jewish legislators supporting him, presumably motivated by party loyalty.

“It’s disgraceful,” said one former aide to a senior Jewish Democratic leader. “Zohran Mamdani represents a worldview that demonizes Israel and excuses terrorism. Nadler and Schumer know exactly who he is.”