Why Jews fear the left — and now the right

The Jewish community finds itself fearing antisemitism from both the left and now — the right.

In New York City, Jewish voters are divided over the front-runner in the mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani, who is a democratic socialist and Muslim, and whose outspoken criticism of Israel has drawn both fervent support and serious concern.

In recent weeks, some Jewish leaders have expressed skepticism toward Mamdani.

Nearly 1,100 rabbis from across the United States signed an open letter denouncing Mamdani’s rhetoric.

“We cannot remain silent in the face of rising anti-Zionism and its political normalization throughout our nation,” the petition reads. The signatories called on Americans to reject “this dangerous rhetoric and affirm the rights of Jews to live securely and with dignity.”

Rabbis