Jewish Dems in Congress Voice Unease at Mamdani’s Political Rise

A growing number of Jewish Democrats in Congress are voicing deep concern following Zohran Mamdani’s recent victory in their party’s New York City mayoral primary, citing his refusal to condemn the slogan “globalize the intifada” and vocal support for the boycott, divestment, sanctions (BDS) movement as troubling signs for both the party and Jewish constituents.

Mamdani’s unwillingness to denounce the phrase shows “his callous disregard for antisemitism, terrorist activity,” Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) told The Hill, warning of broader implications that are “terribly disturbing and potentially dangerous.”

“Anyone that I care about couldn’t possibly distance themselves from him more,” said Wasserman Schultz, one of the first Jewish women elected to Congress. 

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, who represents a heavily Jewish district in Florida, told the outlet: “I think he’s wrong on all those things. If he can’t tell people ‘globalizing the intifada’ — if he can’t say that that’s antisemitic, then obviously he’s going to continue to add to the problem, not deflate it.”

Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH) echoed these concerns in a statement to The Hill, citing rising antisemitic violence nationwide. He described Mamdani’s positions as “a huge problem,” noting that “it’s definitely something that we’re worried about,” against the backdrop of recent violent attacks on Jews.

These statements come amid broader unease within the party as progressive candidates gain traction despite foreign policy positions that depart from traditional Democratic consensus. Some Jewish Democrats, such as New York’s Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Jerrold Nadler, have cautiously congratulated Mamdani, citing his commitment to addressing hate. Others, meanwhile, argue that his candidacy risks alienating Jewish voters and blurring the line between criticism of Israel and antisemitism. Most high-profile Democrats have cautiously maintained distance between themselves and the Mamdani campaign, indicating unease over the progressive firebrand’s unorthodox and divisive brand of politics. 

Analysts note that in areas with large Jewish populations, like New York and parts of suburban Florida, Mamdani’s win signals a shift in what is considered acceptable discourse within Democratic primaries. Still, as concerns over antisemitic violence rise, Jewish congressional Democrats are on edge, debating whether party unity or principle must come first.

As the Democratic Party heads toward the 2026 midterms and beyond, figures like Wasserman Schultz and Moskowitz are expected to press for clear standards on foreign policy rhetoric, while others advocate for broader coalition-building. In the coming months, whether Jewish Democrats rally behind Mamdani or distance themselves may signal the party’s direction on balancing progressive activism with constituency concerns.

Mamdani’s rapid political ascendance also raises questions regarding the future of Jews and Zionists within the Democratic Party. Once considered a fringe element of the left, critics of Israel have increasingly established themselves as a force within the party mainstream. Numerous polls have indicated a significant shift against the Jewish state among Democratic voters, raising concerns whether Israel can maintain solidly bipartisan support into the foreseeable future.

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