New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faces low approval ratings among Jewish voters, according to a recent poll, as concerns about rising antisemitism intensify across the city. The survey, conducted by The Jewish Majority, found that only 32% of Jewish voters believe Mayor Mamdani is doing an "excellent" or "good" job, while 40% rate his performance as "poor." Another 18% rated his performance as "fair," with the remaining respondents undecided. The poll surveyed 665 Jewish voters who participated in the most recent mayoral election, including a subset who had previously supported Mamdani.
A central finding of the poll was the pervasive concern over antisemitism within the Jewish community. Eighty-two percent of respondents indicated they are either "very" or "somewhat" concerned about rising antisemitism in New York City. Among those expressing concern, 73% stated their belief that the increase is linked to public figures "normalizing" anti-Zionism, suggesting a perceived connection between political rhetoric and community safety.
These poll results emerge against a backdrop of increasing hate crime statistics in New York City. Data from the NYPD, cited in the report, indicates that the city recorded 143 hate crimes from January through March, marking an 11.7% rise compared to the same period last year. Of these incidents, a significant majority—78 cases, or 55%—specifically targeted Jewish individuals or institutions, underscoring the disproportionate impact on the Jewish community.
The survey also delved into reactions to specific issues tied to Mayor Mamdani's public stance. Sixty-one percent of respondents said that Mamdani’s refusal to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada” has emboldened pro-Hamas protesters, while 19% disagreed, and the rest were undecided. This particular phrase has been a point of contention in public discourse, with critics arguing it promotes violence.
Mayor Mamdani’s positions on Israel-related issues have consistently drawn scrutiny. He is a known supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and has publicly criticized Israeli policy. These stances have fueled debate about their broader impact on public discourse and community relations within New York City. Critics contend that such positions contribute to rising tensions and divisions, while supporters argue they represent legitimate political viewpoints and freedom of expression.
Historically, Mamdani's electoral support among Jewish voters has been limited. Exit polling from the general election showed he received 31% of the Jewish vote, though his support was higher among younger voters, with 44% backing him in the 18 to 29 age group.
Despite the low approval, the poll also highlighted areas of consensus among Jewish voters, even those who previously supported Mamdani. Eighty-four percent of Jewish voters who backed Mamdani said they favor a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The same percentage also supported legislation allowing the NYPD to establish buffer zones around synagogues and other houses of worship, a measure that was passed in March. This indicates a strong desire for practical security measures and a widely accepted diplomatic approach to the Middle East conflict, even among those with differing political affiliations.
City officials have defended Mayor Mamdani's record and his administration's efforts to address community concerns. Phylisa Wisdom, a city official, stated that Mamdani has prioritized engagement with Jewish communities and is actively working to address antisemitism through policy initiatives. She cited efforts to build relationships across diverse neighborhoods and to develop a comprehensive city-level plan aimed at combating antisemitism.
The poll results highlight a clear divide between Mayor Mamdani and a significant portion of New York City's Jewish voters, particularly concerning issues of public safety, rhetoric, and the perceived connection between political statements and community well-being. The data underscores how deeply concerns about antisemitism are shaping political perceptions in the city, with many voters linking these concerns directly to leadership and public messaging. This issue is expected to remain central as the administration continues to respond to rising hate crime figures and ongoing political tensions tied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
