What's happened
Jeremy Corbyn, former UK Labour leader, spoke at a virtual event endorsing Mamdani, a mayoral candidate in New York with controversial anti-Israel views. Corbyn praised Mamdani’s policies and called for international solidarity, amid criticism from opponents over past antisemitism scandals and associations with far-left groups.
What's behind the headline?
Corbyn’s endorsement signals a continued alignment with far-left and anti-Israel activism, despite his political setbacks in the UK. His support for Mamdani, who is running on progressive policies like subsidized childcare and housing, underscores a broader strategy to influence local politics through international figures. The event’s virtual nature and the exclusion of critics highlight ongoing tensions within progressive circles over antisemitism and political alliances. This endorsement may energize Mamdani’s base but risks alienating moderate voters and opponents, especially given Corbyn’s controversial history. The involvement of organizations like the DSA and the removal of critics from the event suggest a consolidation of far-left support, which could impact the mayoral race and broader political discourse in New York. The criticism from figures like Andrew Cuomo and the ADL underscores the contentious nature of these alliances, which could influence public perception and electoral outcomes. Overall, this episode exemplifies how international political figures continue to shape local elections, often amid controversy and polarized opinions. The next steps will likely involve increased scrutiny of Mamdani’s policies and associations, with potential repercussions for his campaign and the broader political landscape in New York.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Corbyn’s speech and support for Mamdani have alarmed the Jewish community in New York, citing past antisemitism scandals linked to Corbyn and Labour. Critics like Cuomo and the ADL have condemned the event, emphasizing Corbyn’s controversial history. The article highlights the ongoing tensions within progressive and Jewish communities over these alliances, illustrating how Corbyn’s international activism continues to influence local politics despite his UK setbacks. For a detailed account, see The Times of Israel’s coverage.
How we got here
Corbyn’s political career has been marred by allegations of antisemitism, notably after a 2020 UK report found Labour under his leadership had unlawfully handled antisemitism complaints. Since leaving Labour, Corbyn remains an independent MP and launched a new anti-Israel party. Mamdani, a DSA member and mayoral candidate, has faced criticism for his associations and policies, which critics say are unrealistic and linked to antisemitic sentiments.
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