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Israel’s Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli urged Jews in New York to consider emigrating to Israel after Zohran Mamdani won the city’s mayoral election, as several Israeli officials sharply criticized the incoming mayor’s positions on Israel and Gaza.
In his statement, which also featured an AI-generated image depicting the Statue of Liberty with its head bowed and its torch extinguished, Chikli targeted Mamdani.
Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City on Wednesday, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian to hold the office, according to a projection by The Associated Press.
Mamdani, 34, defeated independent candidate and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in a historic victory for the Democratic Party’s progressive wing.
Chikli leveled accusations against Mamdani, saying, “A city that was once a symbol of global freedom has handed its keys to a supporter of Hamas.”
Arguing that the election marked “a critical turning point” for New York, Chikli said, “New York—and especially its Jewish community—will never be the same again.”
“New York is walking, eyes wide open, toward the abyss that London has fallen into,” he continued.
Chikli also called on Jews living in New York to consider emigrating to Israel.
A similar statement came from Israel’s Tzohar Rabbinical Organization. In an open letter issued by Tzohar, Jews abroad were urged to consider immigrating to Israel following Mamdani’s election as the new mayor of New York.
Israel’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, described Mamdani’s election as New York mayor as “a black day for everyone who loves Israel.”
Speaking to Israel’s Channel 14 about Mamdani’s lead in the New York election, he recalled Mamdani’s statements on the genocide in Gaza and accused New York’s new mayor of being “antisemitic.”
Erdan noted that Mamdani won the election despite his “anti-Israel” rhetoric, saying, “This is a major red flag for all of us regarding the future.”
Erdan expressed his disappointment over Mamdani’s election, saying, “This is a dark day for the United States, for New York’s Jewish community, and for everyone who loves Israel.”
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also targeted Mamdani, saying that Mamdani “supports Hamas and hates Israel.”
Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel likewise argued that it was “extremely concerning” for Mamdani to become New York’s mayor due to his past “anti-Israel statements.”
Israel’s current Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Danny Danon, also issued a written statement on the U.S.-based platform X regarding Mamdani’s lead in the race, according to unofficial results.
Danon said they would continue strengthening relations with leaders of the Jewish community in New York, adding, “Mamdani’s provocative remarks will not deter us.”
Israel’s consul general in New York, Ofir Akunis, also claimed yesterday that Mamdani posed a “danger” to the Jewish community in the state because he supported pro-Palestine demonstrations.
According to initial unofficial results, Mamdani received 50.4% of the vote, becoming New York’s first Muslim mayor.
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