Progressive Jews celebrate Mamdani’s election as mayor

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, left, speaks on stage with fellow candidate Comptroller Brad Lander at his primary election party, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. Photo: Heather Khalifa/AP

CITYWIDE — MAYOR-ELECT ZOHRAN MAMDANI’S CAMPAIGN AND DECISIVE WIN TUESDAY NIGHT may have divided New York City’s Jews, but many who represent progressive groups – and even a Satmar Hasidic rabbi – are among his supporters, reported the Jewish Telegraphic Agency on Wednesday. Some Jewish groups have called Mamdani anti-Israel because he holds strong pro-Palestinian views, particularly with the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Many Jewish people celebrated as “Jews for Zohran” at a victory party at the Brooklyn Paramount, including members of left-wing organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace and Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, who comprised a major bloc of campaigners. The progressive organization Bend the Arc’s CEO Jamie Beran spoke of “important bridging work to do in the Jewish community.”

During his victory speech Tuesday night, Mamdani reflected this principle, saying, “In this new age we make for ourselves, we will refuse to allow those who traffic in division and hate to pit us against one another. In this moment of political darkness, New York will be the light…We will build a City Hall that stands steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers, and does not waver in the fight against the scourge of anti-Semitism. Where the more than 1 million Muslims know that they belong.”

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