‘Worried for our brothers and sisters,’ Jews near NYC say of Mamdani’s mayorship

Jewish leaders and activists in communities near New York City, including Rockland County, N.Y., Stamford, Conn., and Englewood, N.J., express significant concern over New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's anti-Israel policies and rhetoric, and what they perceive as his leniency on rising antisemitism. They report increased anxiety and fear among Jewish residents, with some considering leaving the city. Rabbi Daniel Cohen of Stamford stated, "For him to do what he’s doing—it’s literally ground zero, in my opinion, of fomenting hatred, bigotry, antisemitism and division in America." Michael Wildes, Mayor of Englewood, N.J., highlighted the historical role of the area as a tolerant home for Jewish families. Rivky Feiner, a Rockland County activist, views Mamdani as reflecting a broader political movement, urging civic engagement and vigilance against such trends.