The Complex Web of Antisemitism and Identity Politics in the New York City Mayoral Election

Strategic Insights -

In the tumultuous New York City mayoral election, the issue of antisemitism has become a central point of contention among candidates, particularly among Jewish and Muslim communities. Andrew Cuomo, a front-runner in the Democratic primary, has attacked his opponents, including Jewish candidates, as antisemitic, while other candidates like Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander have defended their use of the term "genocide" to describe Israel's actions in Gaza. Meanwhile, hate crimes against Jewish people are on the rise, with 52% of reported hate crimes in 2024 and 60% in the first quarter of 2025 being committed against Jews.

Key Takeaways:

  • Andrew Cuomo has used antisemitism as a battering ram against his opponents, including Jewish candidates, to score political points and win Jewish voters.
  • Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim candidate, has defended his use of the term "genocide" to describe Israel's actions in Gaza and accused opponents of trying to weaponize antisemitism for political gain.
  • Brad Lander, a Jewish candidate and city comptroller, has criticized Cuomo's tactics, saying that Jews have been used as political pawns for politicians trying to score points.
  • The battle for the Jewish vote is a crucial aspect of the election, with Jewish voters representing 13% of the city's active registered voters.
  • Hate crimes against Jewish people are on the rise, with 52% of reported hate crimes in 2024 and 60% in the first quarter of 2025 being committed against Jews.
  • A recent Siena College poll found that addressing discrimination was the fourth most important issue for Jewish voters, behind affordable housing, supporting unpaid family caregivers, and allowing New Yorkers to stay in their homes as they age.
  • Mayor Eric Adams plans to re-run as an independent in November, gathering signatures for a self-created line, and has launched the Office to End Antisemitism to combat the rise in Jewish hate crimes.

Statistics:

  • 13% of New York City's active registered voters have Jewish last names, representing 26% of turnout in the 2021 Democratic mayoral primary.
  • 62% of Jewish voters are Democrats and 16% are Republicans.
  • 52% of reported hate crimes in 2024 were committed against Jewish people.
  • 60% of hate crimes in the first quarter of 2025 were committed against Jewish people.

Sources:

  • "The New York Times", June 14, 2025: Andrew Cuomo Uses Antisemitism as a Battering Ram in Mayor's Race
  • "The New York Times", June 10, 2025: Zohran Mamdani Defends Use of Term "Genocide" to Describe Israel's Actions in Gaza
  • "The New York Times", June 8, 2025: Brad Lander Criticizes Cuomo's Tactics, Saying Jews Have Been Used as Political Pawns
  • Siena College Poll, May 2025: Addressing Discrimination Tops List of Concerns for Jewish Voters
  • New York City Police Department Data, 2024 and 2025: Hate Crime Statistics