Overview

• Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist running for NYC mayor, declined to co-sponsor resolutions recognizing Israel’s independence and Holocaust remembrance, breaking with legislative norms.
• Mamdani stated that his decision was based on prioritizing substantive policy work and his mayoral campaign, though he has consistently voted for Holocaust remembrance resolutions in the past.
• Critics, including former Councilmember David Greenfield, accused Mamdani of antisemitism, a claim Mamdani strongly denies, citing his voting record and public condemnations of antisemitism.
• Mamdani’s campaign clarified that he disagreed with the phrasing in the Israel resolution, which described the country as continuing to strive for peace, given recent actions by its government.
• Jewish voters, who make up about 16% of the Democratic primary electorate, are seen as a pivotal bloc in the crowded June 24 mayoral race, where Mamdani is polling in second place.