Dr. Kobby Barda -- New York—the most important city in the world and home to the largest Jewish diaspora—has chosen Zohran Mamdani, an openly anti-Israel candidate, in the Democratic Party’s mayoral primary.
Mamdani, part of the party’s young progressive wing, represents its growing ideological shift. He openly supports BDS, opposes recognizing Israel as a Jewish state, promotes the phrase “Globalize the Intifada,” and seeks to delegitimize American support for Israel. If elected, he will lead the political, economic, and Jewish capital of the U.S.
His economic platform is radical:
City-owned supermarkets to combat high living costs—facing pushback from private grocers.
Defunding and restructuring the NYPD, redirecting funds to health and community programs.
Massive tax hikes on the wealthy to fund free buses, maternity care, and senior housing.
$30/hour minimum wage by 2030, a transformative shift in the labor market.
Mamdani promotes a socialist-communist agenda, calling for public ownership of infrastructure and services, increased government control over essentials, and wealth redistribution—“for the 99%,” echoing Bernie Sanders.
But his stance on Israel is the core concern:
Vocal support for BDS and sanctions against Israel.
Advocacy against Jewish organizations tied to Judea and Samaria.
Refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, calling instead for equal rights for all citizens.
Defends “Globalize the Intifada” as a “just struggle,” denying its violent connotations.
In 2021, he led BDS marches and campaigns, including one pressuring Ben & Jerry’s and travel firms to cut ties with Israel. He has repeatedly said it’s wrong to support a country “that defines itself by religion.”
Mamdani is not just a fringe candidate—he’s a symbol of a generational shift. Backed by radical Gen Z activists, he has led anti-Zionist legislation in city council and petitioned to defund pro-Israel nonprofits.
His win is a red flag for American Jews. The young Democratic base is normalizing hostility to Israel—not as criticism, but as rejection of its core identity. This transformation reflects a deeper change within the Democratic Party, where figures like Schumer, Pelosi, and Clinton are losing ground to a radical, anti-establishment left.
In a city so deeply tied to Jewish life, this election outcome marks a dangerous turning point. Now, many hope an independent candidate will emerge to challenge Mamdani and save the Big Apple from itself.