'Worried for our brothers and sisters,' Jews near NYC say of Mamdani's mayorship

Reports indicate that Jewish leaders and residents in areas surrounding New York City have expressed concern about the impact of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's policies and rhetoric regarding Israel and antisemitism. In Mamdani's first month in office, New York City recorded a 182% surge in antisemitic incidents compared to January 2025.

Rabbi Daniel Cohen of Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, Connecticut, located about 40 miles northeast of City Hall, said the situation has affected residents beyond the city. "It's increased the volume of just the noise and distractions and certainly has induced a lot of more anxiety and fear," Cohen told JNS, noting that people traveling into the city express greater concern about displaying Jewish symbols publicly.

Cohen, who has led the Modern Orthodox congregation since 2005, characterized Mamdani's actions as "ground zero, in my opinion, of fomenting hatred, bigotry, antisemitism and division in America." He stated that "He's spouting evil, and he really has no place in being the mayor of New York City."

Mamdani has said Israel should not exist as a Jewish state and campaigned on having the Israeli prime minister arrested in New York. His spokeswoman stated that synagogues violate international law when hosting pro-Israel events.

Jeremy Burton, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, said Boston's Jewish community has not been directly impacted by City Hall matters, noting instead that "The Jewish community in Boston is very appreciative to have a mayor, governor and many other civic leaders who are clear in conveying that we belong and are valued as part of the civic fabric of this city."

Michael Wildes, mayor of Englewood, New Jersey, across the Hudson River from Manhattan, expressed concern about Mamdani's recent characterization of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "war criminal" And threats to arrest him. "New York and the surrounding area, including my own city of Englewood, N.J., has long been home to one of the largest Jewish populations outside of Israel," Wildes said. He emphasized that "Public officials have a responsibility to ensure that all communities feel protected, respected and welcome - not singled out."

Rivky Feiner, a community activist from Rockland County, about 30 miles northwest of Manhattan, said residents are "deeply concerned about Mamdani's influence." She noted that "New York City is only a short drive away, and many of us have family, businesses, and daily ties there," Adding, "We are worried for our brothers and sisters who live in the city."

Cohen said he and synagogue members planned to show support for Netanyahu if the Israeli prime minister attends the U.N. General Assembly in September, stating, "We're one nation as a Jewish people. We all stand and should stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community and, for that matter, with people of good nature in New York who understand that there is no place for this sort of rhetoric, intolerance, hate and violence."