As New York City awaited the results of its highly charged 2025 mayoral election, a surprising concern emerged from the Israeli diplomatic community. Ofir Akunis, Israel’s Consul General in New York, told Ynet on Tuesday that some Jews and Israelis in the city are considering leaving New York, or even moving to Israel, if Zohran Mamdani wins.
“There are people saying they will consider selling their properties and moving from New York to Florida, and we’re also hearing voices talking about aliyah,” Akunis said. “We are preparing at the consulate, assuming that Mamdani will indeed win, and that those Jews and Israelis talking about moving will carry it out.”
Rising Tensions in the Jewish Community
Akunis described growing anxiety among Jewish residents as Mamdani, a progressive state assemblyman known for his pro-Palestinian activism, faced off against Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. He said that while Jewish voter turnout was high, fear and uncertainty had taken hold in parts of the community.
“When he speaks against Israel, he’s speaking against the Jewish state,” Akunis said of Mamdani. “He has never condemned calls for a global intifada. As Israelis, we know what that word means, and I’m not sure people shouting it in the streets — many of whom vote for him — understand its full implications.”
Concerns Over Policy and Security
Beyond rhetoric, Akunis also expressed unease about Mamdani’s pledge to defund the police, arguing it could embolden demonstrators and put Jewish institutions at risk.
“Cutting the police budget and reducing the number of officers patrolling the city gives more leeway to pro-Palestinian protesters,” he warned. “This could lead to very negative outcomes for Jewish communities and organizations.”
Asked if he would meet with Mamdani should he become mayor, Akunis said such a decision would follow consultations with Israel’s Foreign Ministry and other senior officials.
Why Mamdani Is Resonating With Voters
Despite controversy surrounding his views, experts say Mamdani’s appeal lies in his populist and youth-driven campaign.
According to Professor Eitan Galboah of Reichman University, Mamdani’s promises of free bus rides, rent freezes, and a $30 minimum wage have struck a chord with young and working-class voters. “He ran a very professional campaign, especially on social media, where he connected directly with voters aged 20–30,” Galboah said.
While the Muslim community is expected to largely support Mamdani, Galboah noted that the Jewish vote remains divided, with between 20% and 30% of Jewish voters potentially backing him. A Quinnipiac University poll, however, showed much lower numbers, just 16% of Jewish respondents said they intended to vote for the assemblyman.