Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Araghchi to Grossi: These parties will bear responsibility for the consequences of their actions
Araghchi to Grossi: Iran will respond to any unlawful action by European countries or parties attempting to turn the Agency into a tool for achieving their objectives
Araghchi to Grossi: We urge the Agency to warn against the consequences of any political move against Iran
Araghchi to Grossi: We call on the Agency to highlight Iran’s full cooperation during the upcoming Board of Governors meeting next week
Araghchi to Grossi: We demand that the Agency reflect the facts in a manner that prevents certain parties from exploiting it to advance their political agendas
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi holds a phone call with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi
Trump envoy Witkoff has sent 'detailed and acceptable proposal' to Iran for nuclear deal; it's in their best interest to accept it: White House Press Secretary Leavitt
Hamas official says Witkoff's position toward group was 'unfair' and shows 'complete bias' to 'Israel'
Hamas official says it has considered Witkoff's proposal acceptable for negotiations, says 'Israel's' response was incompatible with what the group agreed on
Hamas official says group has not rejected Wikoff's proposal for Gaza ceasefire

'Israel', Palestine take center stage in New York City mayoral race

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News Websites
  • 17 Apr 2025 22:39
4 Min Read

In the upcoming New York City mayoral elections, Andrew Cuomo emphasizes his pro-"Israel" stance, while Zohran Mamdani advocates for Palestinian rights, reflecting the city's divide.

Listen
  • x
  • New York Mayor candidate state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani speaks during the New York City Mayoral Candidates Forum at the National Action Network National Convention, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in New York (AP)
    New York Mayor candidate state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani speaks during the New York City Mayoral Candidates Forum at the National Action Network National Convention, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in New York (AP)

In a race traditionally focused on housing costs, public safety, and transit, the 2025 New York mayoral race has become a battleground for international politics, particularly the Palestinian cause.

The two frontrunners, Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani, are turning their starkly opposing positions on "Israel" and Palestine into defining campaign themes.

It is noteworthy that former Governor Andrew Cuomo has joined the legal team defending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against war crime charges, while his leading opponent, Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and Assembly member from Queens, has publicly vowed to arrest Netanyahu if he visits New York City.

This divergence has amplified attention on a city that is home to both the world’s largest Jewish population outside Palestine and the largest Muslim population in the Western Hemisphere.

Two polar opposites 

Cuomo, who is attempting a political comeback, has centered his campaign on combating antisemitism and reinforcing his support for "Israel".

Speaking at a Manhattan synagogue, he described himself as a “hyper-aggressive supporter of Israel” and deemed antisemitism “the most serious and the most important issue” in the race. His campaign has received backing from pro-Israel donors, including a $250,000 contribution from billionaire Bill Ackman.

In contrast, Mamdani has made headlines for his pro-Palestinian stance, stressing that "Israel" is committing “an American-funded genocide in Gaza.” He has led protests, including a hunger strike outside the White House and a blockade at the New York Stock Exchange, advocating for an end to US military support for "Israel".

His campaign includes proposals to make it illegal for charities to fund Israeli military operations.

Related News

US Envoy calls Hamas ceasefire response 'totally unacceptable'

17 Palestinians killed in US-Israeli designated aid zones in Gaza

A divided city

The divide reflects deeper fractures within New York City politics. Cuomo's messaging appeals to centrist and Orthodox Jewish voters concerned with so-called "public safety and religious solidarity", while Mamdani, a Muslim and first-time mayoral hopeful, is backed by progressive voters critical of "Israel’s" genocide in Gaza.

Fundraising, endorsements, and ideological fault lines

Cuomo has positioned Mamdani and other progressive opponents as “anti-Israel,” a label he uses interchangeably with antisemitism. In past races, Cuomo faced criticism for similar tactics, including a 2018 mailer falsely tying opponent Cynthia Nixon to antisemitism.

Mamdani, meanwhile, emphasizes his advocacy for “universal human rights” and equal treatment under international law. While he recognizes "Israel", he challenges its current attack and American complicity in funding it.

His alignment with Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and public appearances with figures like leftist pundit Hasan Piker have further energized critics and anti-Palestine PACs now planning ad campaigns against him.

Foreign policy stances shape the election

Despite the global focus, both candidates are competing for a job rooted in municipal concerns, from managing housing to fixing potholes.

But the symbolism of their positions on the Palestinian struggle against the occupation has made it impossible to avoid the international lens.

Other candidates, including City Comptroller Brad Lander and former Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, have attempted to strike a balance, critical of Netanyahu’s policies but cautious not to alienate New York’s Jewish communities.

Cuomo has also drawn backlash for past remarks, including comparing Orthodox Jewish Sukkot celebrations to “tree houses,” which critics labeled antisemitic.

Political Polarization Reaches City Hall

With the June 24 Democratic primary approaching, polls show Cuomo holding a commanding lead, with Mamdani in second place. The rest of the field remains in single digits.

Still, Mamdani’s campaign, fueled by grassroots energy and progressive fundraising, has defied expectations. He remains committed to framing the race around foreign policy’s moral implications, even as critics argue he is allegedly overlooking the core responsibilities of a mayor.

Read more: Current Israeli policies in Gaza most extreme since Oct 7: UN experts

  • United States
  • Gaza Strip
  • New York
  • war on Gaza
  • Palestine
  • Israeli aggression
  • Israel
  • Israeli occupation
  • Gaza

Most Read

US judges quietly consider private security amid Trump tensions

US judges quietly consider private security amid Trump pressures

  • US & Canada
  • 25 May 2025
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrive to a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Washington (AP)

Rift widens: Trump, Netanyahu clash in heated phone call over Iran

  • Politics
  • 26 May 2025
An Israeli army vehicle moves in the Gaza Strip as seen from southern occupied Palestine, Thursday, May 29, 2025 (AP)

Hamas rejects Witkoff ceasefire plan, says alters terms

  • Politics
  • 29 May 2025
Spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, announces a new operation against Ben Gurion Airport on May 29, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen announces successful hypersonic missile strike on Ben Gurion

  • Politics
  • 30 May 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
MIT bans class president who gave pro-Palestine speech
US & Canada

MIT bans class president over pro-Palestine speech

Arab ministers condemn Israel 'ban' on planned West Bank visit
Politics

Arab ministers condemn Israeli ban on planned West Bank visit

Major General Hu Gangfeng, Vice President, National Defense University, People's Liberation Army, China, leaves after a panel discussion during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
Politics

China blasts Hegseth, calls US top 'troublemaker' in Asia-Pacific

US activists demand shutdown of Musk's 'dirty' supercomputer: Reports
Technology

US activists demand shutdown of Musk's 'dirty' supercomputer: NBC News

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS