1/3 of NYC Jews Voted for Jihad-Supporting Mayor. Why?

Zohran Mamdani captured the NYC mayoral election riding a wave not only of popularity but also of controversy. He was once an aspiring rapper with a song giving his love to the convicted jihadists (sentenced to up to 65 years in prison for terrorism-related crimes) known as the "Holy Land Five." [1] He has made accusations of Israel committing genocide [2] and supported the BDS movement (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) [3]. He did not criticize Hamas [4] nor discourage use of the slogan, "Globalize the intifada," [5] a clear incitement of violence toward Jews on a global scale, until he faced intense media scrutiny. Despite all this, one third of the Jewish population of NYC still voted for him [6]. How could this happen? Why would it happen? In order to answer this question, it is necessary to delve into the history of the Jewish diaspora. Join our host, Milan Podlipny, and our guest, historian Udi Manor [7] as they explore the concept of belonging and how much Jews sacrificed to try to fit into various societies at different times in history. This conversation is salient for all people and is sure to leave you pondering questions of belonging, identity, and authenticity and how people cope when faced with overwhelming pressure to fit in. Grab yourself a coffee. It's time for PI. 📚 Sources: [1] a] https://nypost.com/2025/06/21/us-news/socialist-nyc-mayoral-candidate-zohran-mamdani-once-rapped-about-his-love-for-hamas-teror-funding-group-holy-land-five/ , b] https://soundcloud.com/zohrankwame/salaam (go to 2:31), c] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Land_Foundation_for_Relief_and_Development [2] https://www.jewishtimes.com/what-zohran-mamdani-has-actually-said-about-jews-and-israel/ [3] https://forward.com/news/733657/zohran-mamdani-gaza-israel-jews-antisemitism/ [4] https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-859044 [5] https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-858242 [6] a] https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/06/politics/jewish-new-york-mamdani-mayor , b] https://www.jta.org/2025/11/05/politics/mamdani-wins-33-of-the-jewish-vote-in-nyc-compared-to-63-for-cuomo-exit-poll-shows [7] https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=6ost7zcAAAAJ&hl=en (academic work of Udi Manor) Mentioned during the podcast: Pact of Umar, The Status of Non-Muslims Under Islamic Rule https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/source/pact-umar.asp Is Israel Legal? Do the Jewish People Have the Right to the Land of Israel? https://youtu.be/K_oadI5DxW0 Female Genital Mutilation in Islamic Doctrine https://youtu.be/oqVxXJZTltw Islamic Peace Agreements—Do They Last? https://www.cspii.org/learn-political-islam/new-articles/islamic-peace-agreements-do-they-last/ 💡 Learn more: https://www.cspii.org/ 🤝 Join us: https://www.cspii.org/joinus/ ❤️ Donate: https://www.cspii.org/donate/ About Coffee & PI Welcome to "Coffee & PI", the lively and engaging podcast that immerses you in the latest news on Political Islam from around the world. Each time, we break down two or three news stories connected to Political Islam, providing you with in-depth analysis and insightful commentary. You can enjoy our relaxed, conversational tone that makes current news understandable. Plus, with regular guest experts, you'll get unique perspectives and clear viewpoints. Hosted by charismatic CSPII analysts, the show strikes a perfect balance between informative and entertaining. Whether you're a CSPII enthusiast or want to stay informed, "Coffee & PI" is here to keep you connected to the world's most important news concerning Political Islam.