In the closing moments of the Democratic New York City mayoral debate, socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani appeared to effectively respond to a moderator’s question on Israel.
A moderator asked the Uganda-born New York assemblyman Wednesday if he would visit Israel during his tenure as mayor.
“I’ve said in a UJA questionnaire that I believe that you need not travel to Israel to stand up for Jewish New Yorkers — and that is what I’ll be doing as mayor,” Mamdani said.
“I’ll be standing up for Jewish New Yorkers and I’ll be meeting them wherever they are across the five boroughs, whether that’s in their synagogues and temples, or at their homes, or on the subway platform,” he continued. “Because ultimately, we need to focus on delivering on their concerns.” (RELATED: The Left’s Favorite Mayoral Candidate Could Turn America’s Flagship City Into Cuba)
The moderator jumped in with a pointed question: “Just yes or no — do you believe in a Jewish state of Israel?”
“I believe Israel has the right to exist,” Mamdani replied.
“As a Jewish state?” the moderator pressed.
“As a state with equal rights,” Mamdani responded.
One of the other candidates chimed in on the remark, claiming Mamdani wouldn’t answer that Israel has a right to exist as a Jewish state and leading candidate.
“And his answer was no, he won’t visit Israel. That’s what he was trying to say,” former Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo jumped in to say.
“Unlike you, I answer questions very directly. I want to be clear, I believe every state should be a state of equal rights,” Mamdani said in response to Cuomo.
Mamdani is a card-carrying member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) — the same group whose New York City chapter sparked internal controversy after issuing a statement saying they “reject” the killing of two Israeli embassy employees in May. DSA members reportedly slammed the message as “horrific,” “hurtful” and “irresponsible” in internal discussions, according to The Free Press.
The New York City chapter of the DSA has formally endorsed Mamdani in his bid to unseat incumbent Democratic Mayor Eric Adams, expressing strong support for his campaign. (RELATED: ‘Bumbling’ NYC Board Sends Election Misinfo To Millions Of Voters)
He expressed a sentiment similar to his statements Wednesday during a conversation with Jewish Insider editor-in-chief Josh Kraushaar at a UJA-Federation–sponsored event, the New York Post reported.
“I believe Israel has a right to exist, and it has a right to exist also with equal rights for all,” Mamdani said, while reaffirming his backing of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel.
The assemblyman rose to second place in the mayoral race and has unveiled a wide-ranging set of government-funded proposals, including free bus service, universal childcare, city-run grocery stores and a $30 minimum wage by 2030, according to Politico. He has proposed raising the state’s corporate tax rate and implementing a 2% flat tax on the highest earners in the city to fund these initiatives.
Like nearly 40% of all New Yorkers, I wasn’t born in this country. I moved here at age 7. It’s my home. And I’m proud to be a citizen, which means standing up for our Constitution. Councilmember Paladino might consider reading it. pic.twitter.com/cPeh4SSApU
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) June 4, 2025
However, others have expressed doubts that he can achieve these aims. “The kind of tax increase he is proposing would hallow out New York City in terms of jobs and its tax base,” Kathy Wylde, head of the corporate nonprofit the Partnership for New York City, said.
It also remains uncertain whether these measures would receive the necessary political backing for Mamdani to win the election. (RELATED: Migrant Charged With Subway Murder Enjoys Three Hots And A Cot On Rikers Despite Adams’ ICE Handover Pledge)
In early May, Mamdani was outperforming most moderate candidates in his party’s mayoral primary and leading in fundraising, bolstered by support from the DSA.
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