Zohran Mamdani is a candidate for New York mayor, backed by young Jewish professionals who helped him defeat established political figures. Opponents portray him as a radical due to his views on Israel, causing concerns among New York's Jewish population. In response, Mamdani's team actively engaged Jewish communities and addressed criticism regarding his stance on Israel. He asserted that his campaign is inclusive and values the input from Jewish New Yorkers. His message emphasizes justice and inclusion, aiming to bridge divides and garner support across cultures.
Mamdani's rivals in the primary and now ahead of the general election have painted the state legislator as a dangerous radical, even an antisemite. His statements on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have unsettled many of the city's more than 1 million Jews.
The Jewish professionals advising Mamdani had a strategy to counter concerns about whether his inclusiveness extended to Jews. They platformed him on podcasts, chose tough interviewers and brought him into Orthodox neighborhoods who had supported his primary rival, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, or Adams.
Mamdani confronted criticism head-on, insisting that opposing the policies of the Israeli government and supporting the boycott Israel movement did not mean endangering Jewish New Yorkers.
I'm lucky that I do not have to turn too far for feedback from Jewish New Yorkers in that so much of my campaign is being run by Jewish New Yorkers. It is a key part of both the way in which we are running this campaign and also the values that underpin the campaign.
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