What's happened
A growing rabbinic letter condemning anti-Zionist rhetoric linked to NYC mayoral candidate Mamdani has sparked debate within Jewish communities. Some rabbis oppose signing, citing concerns over polarization, while others endorse the call to defend Jewish self-determination amid rising anti-Zionist sentiments.
What's behind the headline?
The internal debate among rabbis highlights a broader tension within Jewish communities about political activism and religious neutrality. The signatories see the letter as a necessary stand against rising anti-Zionist rhetoric that they believe delegitimizes Jewish self-determination and threatens community safety. Conversely, rabbis like Cosgrove and Kalmanofsky avoid signing to prevent further polarization, emphasizing the importance of unity and spiritual leadership over political endorsements. This divide underscores a fundamental question: should religious leaders publicly take sides on political issues, or should they focus on spiritual guidance? The timing suggests an attempt by pro-Israel advocates to influence the upcoming NYC mayoral election, framing Mamdani's rhetoric as dangerous and divisive. The outcome will likely deepen existing fissures within Jewish communities, with some viewing the letter as a necessary defense of Jewish identity and others fearing it exacerbates political polarization. The debate foreshadows ongoing conflicts over religious authority, political engagement, and community cohesion in a highly charged political climate.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that over 120 rabbis signed the letter condemning Mamdani's anti-Zionist rhetoric, emphasizing the importance of defending Israel's legitimacy and calling for unity across political divides. The article highlights the division within the rabbinic community, with some leaders like Rabbi Cosgrove and Rabbi Kalmanofsky choosing not to sign, citing concerns over polarization and the role of religious leaders. The NY Post provides a contrasting perspective, quoting Rabbi Hirsch and other signatories who see the letter as a necessary stand against rising anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, framing Mamdani's rhetoric as a threat to Jewish safety and community cohesion. Both sources agree on the significance of the debate but differ in tone: The Times of Israel emphasizes internal community tensions and the importance of nuanced leadership, while the NY Post underscores the political stakes and the urgency of defending Jewish identity amid external threats. The timing of the letter, just ahead of the NYC mayoral election, suggests an effort to sway public opinion and influence voter behavior, with some rabbis explicitly urging congregants to oppose Mamdani.
How we got here
The controversy stems from a letter organized by the Jewish Majority advocacy group, criticizing New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for his anti-Zionist stance and rhetoric, including accusations of genocide against Israel. The letter, signed by over 120 rabbis, emphasizes the importance of defending Israel's legitimacy and condemning anti-Zionist language. This has led to a broader debate within Jewish communities about political involvement and the boundaries of religious leadership in partisan issues, especially as some rabbis choose not to sign or publicly oppose the letter to avoid polarization.
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Ammiel Hirsch is an American Reform rabbi and attorney. He is the senior rabbi of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue and former executive director of the Association of Reform Zionists of America/World Union for Progressive Judaism, North America.
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Zohran Kwame Mamdani is a Ugandan-American politician. He is the assembly member for the 36th district of the New York State Assembly. Mamdani was elected after defeating incumbent Democrat Aravella Simotas in the 2020 primary.