A resurfaced interview exposes New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s unwavering support for the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, as Fox News reports. His vocal advocacy, rooted in his college activism, has ignited fierce backlash from Jewish communities in a city with one of the largest Jewish populations in the world. Mamdani’s unapologetic stance raises questions about his priorities as a potential leader.
Mamdani, a socialist running for mayor, proudly backs BDS, a campaign to economically and legally pressure Israel. In a June 2021 interview with SAAG Interactive, conducted by journalist Naib Mian, Mamdani reaffirmed his commitment to Palestinian liberation, a position he’s held since founding the Students for Justice in Palestine at Bowdoin College. This isn’t just rhetoric -- it’s a calculated stance that’s drawing sharp criticism.
Mamdani’s activism began early, as he penned articles in Bowdoin’s school paper advocating for an academic boycott of Israel. His father, Mahmood, also supports BDS and serves on a tribunal advisory board pushing sanctions against Israel. This family legacy of anti-Israel advocacy suggests a deeply ingrained ideology that’s unlikely to waver.
As a member of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Mamdani aligns with a group that probes candidates on their BDS views. “I’m very excited about being a member of DSA,” he declared in the 2021 interview, signaling his comfort with the organization’s radical leanings. Such enthusiasm for a group pushing divisive policies should give New Yorkers pause.
The DSA’s endorsement questionnaire explicitly asks about BDS, intertwining foreign policy with local politics. Mamdani’s response in the interview -- “our commitment is unabashed to justice” -- sounds noble but sidesteps the real-world consequences of boycotting a key U.S. ally. His rhetoric prioritizes ideology over practical governance.
Mamdani’s campaign trail defense of BDS in May further cements his position. He called it consistent with his “non-violent” politics, a claim that critics argue masks the movement’s aim to delegitimize Israel. The BDS campaign, as described by Influence Watch, seeks to economically strangle Israel through boycotts and sanctions -- a goal many find divisive.
Jewish groups in New York City have sharply criticized Mamdani’s stance, given the city’s significant Jewish population. His predecessor’s vocal support for Israel stands in stark contrast to Mamdani’s pro-Palestinian advocacy, highlighting a dramatic shift in representation. This pivot risks alienating a community already wary of rising antisemitism.
Mamdani’s constituency, however, reportedly supports his views overwhelmingly. “The response that I received is just overwhelmingly in support,” he claimed in the 2021 interview, suggesting his district is a bubble of like-minded ideologues. Such insulation may blind him to broader New York City concerns.
The interview with SAAG Interactive, hosted by Naib Mian -- who has posted anti-Israel content online, including defending the inflammatory phrase “from the river to the sea” -- adds context to Mamdani’s platform. Associating with such voices amplifies concerns about his judgment. It’s a bold choice for a candidate seeking to lead a diverse city.
Mamdani’s commitment extends to drafting a letter to combat apartheid and hold Israel accountable. “There is no thing that’s too banal to stand up against the brutality of the occupation,” he said, framing BDS as a moral necessity. Yet, critics argue this approach unfairly singles out Israel while ignoring other global human rights issues.
His promise to block anti-BDS legislation in the Assembly reveals an activist’s mindset over a legislator’s pragmatism. “I am very much committed to actively working to stop any additional anti-BDS bills,” he stated. This defiance could complicate New York’s economic and diplomatic ties with Israel.
Mamdani’s rhetoric often cloaks BDS in the language of justice and solidarity. “We have to showcase what that solidarity looks like,” he urged, pushing for boycotts of everything from shipping containers to university funding. Such broad strokes risk oversimplifying a complex conflict.
While Mamdani insists support for Palestinian liberation hasn’t hit its “ceiling,” his focus on BDS may alienate moderate voters. His claim that “convenience means nothing” in the face of oppression sounds idealistic but ignores the practical realities of governing a diverse city. New Yorkers deserve a mayor who unites, not divides.
The Mamdani campaign, contacted by Fox News Digital, has yet to clarify how his BDS advocacy aligns with the needs of all New Yorkers. His unwavering commitment to a controversial movement suggests a single-issue focus that could undermine broader leadership. Voters will decide if this stance fits a mayoral role.
Mamdani’s rise reflects a growing progressive push, but his BDS fixation could prove a liability. In a city as diverse as New York, prioritizing a foreign policy crusade over local issues like crime or infrastructure seems a risky bet. The resurfaced video lays bare a candidate more activist than mayor.
