“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,” in the event of a Zohran Mamdani victory in the New York City mayoral race, Israeli Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis told Ynet on Tuesday.
This statement was made ahead of Tuesday’s mayoral election in New York City, where pro-Palestinian candidate Zohran Mamdani is running against Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.
Akunis spoke about the tension many Jews and Israelis feel within the city. He also mentioned the efforts the community has taken to influence the election.
“There is huge involvement from the communities that have the right to vote, and voter turnout is very high.”
When asked about people leaving New York City as a result of a Mamdani win, Akunis told Ynet, “This phenomenon is very interesting. We cannot ignore this, and I don’t know how much of it will actually happen. Regarding aliyah to Israel, these voices are being heard, and 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.”
When discussing Mamdani's views on Israel and the Palestinians, Akunis said, “When he speaks against Israel, he’s speaking against the Jewish state. In fact, he has never condemned calls for a global intifada. As Israelis, we know the meaning of that word, and I’m not sure the people shouting in the streets understand it; many of whom likely vote for him.”
Leeway to pro-Palestinian protesters
On Mamdani's promise to defund the police, Akunis said, “Cutting the police budget and reducing the number of officers patrolling the city gives more leeway to pro-Palestinian protesters.” According to the consul, “This could lead to very negative outcomes for the Jewish communities and Jewish organizations.”
When asked if he would meet with Mamdani if he became mayor, he replied, “We will hold consultations led by the foreign minister, the director-general of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the North America division, of which we are part, and after the professional consultation, we will decide.”
Akunis was then asked about what he thought led to Mamdani's gaining popularity.
“The main explanation lies in the demographic changes that have occurred in Europe, which also extend to certain states in the US, like New York, California, and Seattle. This demographic change essentially opens up the possibility of having a Muslim mayor in New York. I would also say cautiously that he ran a very good, professional campaign. On social media, he directly reaches young voters aged 20-30, who are a decisive factor in his election chances. He has also appeared frequently on American television, including on Fox News, which represents the other side,” said Akunis.
Professor Eitan Galboah from Reichman University told Ynet that Zohran Mamdani’s appeal lies in his charismatic, populist approach, promising free bus rides, a rent freeze, and a $30 minimum wage funded by taxing the wealthy.
Galboah mentioned that while Muslims will likely support Mamdani, the Jewish community is split, with 20% to 30% expected to vote for him.
A Quinnipiac University poll published last week, however, showed far more modest Jewish support for Mamdani. Only 16% of Jewish respondents said that they planned to vote for the assemblyman.
Galboah also observed that, from President Trump’s viewpoint, Mamdani’s potential win reflects societal polarization. Regarding aliyah, Galboah believes some Jews may consider moving to Israel, but they will evaluate Mamdani based on his campaign promises.