In a stunning upset for the MAGA movement in the richest city of the USA, Zohran Mamdani, a 34‑year‑old democratic socialist, is on course to become the next mayor of New York City. His rise shakes up politics in a city long dominated by establishment figures.However, one curious question arises: how did a Muslim and pro‑Palestinian leader win in a part of NYC where the Jewish population outnumbers that of Jerusalem itself?
The October 7 Hamas invasion of Israel triggered a war that killed thousands and sent shockwaves around the world, polarising opinions and shifting political allegiances. One side condemned Israel for killing children with ammunition, while the other argued that Hamas initiated the violence and was met with a counterattack. Mamdani stood with the people of Gaza on this issue, creating a significant political divide in his potential voter base. Many US politicians avoided the topic to retain support, but the Ugandan‑Indian Muslim maintained his stance throughout his mayoral campaign, even after being called a ‘Jihadist’ by many MAGA supporters. Now, how did this GOP‑labelled “anti‑Semite” win the hearts of around a million of New York City’s Jews?
Engagement with rabbis and the Jewish community
While his stance on the Israel‑Gaza conflict drew sharp criticism from parts of the city’s Jewish community, Mamdani engaged in direct outreach. In late October, he met with a delegation of rabbis and Jewish leaders, listened to their concerns, and pledged that the city would “stand steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers and does not waver in the fight against the scourge of antisemitism.”Mamdani gained unexpected support within parts of New York City’s Jewish community. A July 2025 poll found him leading among Jewish voters by 17 points, with 43 per cent saying they would back him compared with 26 per cent for his main rival, according to Jewish Telegraphic Agency. His campaign engaged directly with Jewish and Hasidic communities, including publishing a letter in Yiddish appealing to Hasidic voters while acknowledging he might be seen in a “distorted picture” by them, reports Israel National News. Mamdani’s message resonated strongly with younger, liberal Jewish voters prioritising issues like affordability, housing, and social justice over foreign‑policy positions, according to Al Jazeera.
Threat to Netanyahu
Mamdani is openly pro‑Palestinian. He has described Benjamin Netanyahu as responsible for “a genocidal war” in Gaza and said the occupation and apartheid must end. He has even pledged if Netanyahu visits New York he should face arrest under an international arrest warrant. He has repeatedly called Bibi a “war criminal” which a lot of his Democrat backers find questionable.
Shift in tone, continuity in principle
Though his core beliefs remain unchanged, Mamdani has adjusted his rhetoric. After facing backlash for using the phrase “globalize the intifada,” he stated that he would discourage its use while doubling down on non‑violent advocacy. At the same time, he maintains his socialist identity: “I refuse to apologise for … being a democratic socialist,” he said during his campaign.
Why it matters
Mamdani’s win represents more than a personal triumph: it reflects a shift in the Democratic Party’s core and a growing appetite for radical change on housing, affordability, and social justice. It signals a realignment within the party, which in many US states often moves away from socialist values. In a city long considered safely pro‑Israel, his pro‑Palestinian stance did not hurt his appeal — it helped energise younger, progressive, Muslim, and South Asian voters.
Zionism vs. Judaism
It is important to separate Zionism from Judaism. Not all Jews support the Israeli government’s military actions in Gaza, and many oppose the use of force against civilians. This distinction allows for nuanced discussions, recognising that criticism of specific policies or military actions does not equate to hostility toward Jewish people as a whole.
Roots and self‑confession
Mamdani describes himself as a “self‑proclaimed nepo‑baby” — the son of Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair — who, despite his privileged background, chose the path of a grassroots socialist. His campaign focused on working‑class issues: fare‑free buses, rent freezes, city‑owned grocery stores, and higher taxes on the wealthy.According to the UJA‑Federation of New York 2023 Jewish Community Study, about 20% of Jewish households in the eight‑county region are considered poor (12%) or near‑poor (8%).
Will it be easy for Mamdani?
As mayor, Mamdani will face immediate scrutiny in managing a city with deeply entrenched interests, a powerful police force and substantial Jewish and business communities uneasy about his positions. Conservatives point to his limited executive experience, while supporters see him as the kind of needed generational change New York needs.In the end, Zohran Mamdani’s story is one of unlikely ascendancy: a young socialist of Muslim and South Asian heritage rising to lead one of America’s wealthiest and most complex cities. He carries a pro‑Palestinian identity, champions radical economic reforms, and promises to make New York a city for all. His first lady, Gen Z‑era spouse Rama Duwaji, 28, adds a modern, youthful presence to his historic mayoralty.
