Far-right Israeli Minister of Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, has launched a campaign urging Jewish residents of New York City to consider emigration to Israel following the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor. Chikli has branded Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic candidate, as a supporter of Hamas, stating, “The city that once stood as a symbol of global freedom has handed over its keys to a Hamas supporter.” His comments have sparked significant backlash and concern among various communities.
In his remarks shared on social media platform X, Chikli added, “New York will never be the same again, especially not for its Jewish community.” He invited New York Jews to “seriously consider making their new home in the Land of Israel.” This sentiment was echoed by other prominent Israeli figures, including Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Avigdor Lieberman, who expressed similar views regarding Mamdani’s election.
Mamdani, who has openly criticized Israel, labeling its government an “apartheid regime” and describing its military actions in Gaza as genocidal, has become a controversial figure. His election victory on October 3, 2023, was marked by significant challenges, including fierce opposition from various media outlets and public figures, including former President Donald Trump, who referred to him as a “Jew hater” in a last-minute social media post.
Despite the intense scrutiny and anti-Muslim sentiment directed at him during the campaign, many constituents expressed pride in his victory. Bukhtawar Waqas, a Pakistani American physician, shared her joy at Mamdani’s win, 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.” Waqas attended Mamdani’s victory speech, where she felt reassured by the diversity of New Yorkers present.
Mamdani’s policies aim to support working-class residents, with proposals including free transportation, affordable childcare, and a rent freeze for stabilized apartments. His election marks not only a historic moment as New York City’s first Muslim mayor but also as its first of South Asian heritage, and the first mayor born in Africa.
During his victory speech, Mamdani emphasized his commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all New Yorkers, stating, “No more will New York be a city where you can traffic in Islamophobia and win an election.” He pledged to stand alongside Jewish residents in the fight against anti-Semitism, ensuring that the city’s more than 1 million Muslims feel a sense of belonging.
As the city moves forward under Mamdani’s leadership, the reactions from various communities will likely shape the political landscape in New York. The divide within the Jewish community regarding Mamdani’s election underscores the complex dynamics at play as the city navigates its diverse cultural and political identities.
