NY Jews' Nightmare Begins: Mamdani to Take Office Tomorrow

Zohran Mamdani is to be sworn in today (Thursday) as New York City’s next mayor, marking a historic milestone as the first Muslim to hold the office and ushering in a dramatic political and cultural shift at City Hall. The transition, however, is being met with deep unease among large parts of the city’s Jewish community, which is watching the inauguration with a mix of anxiety, skepticism and resignation.

Mamdani’s rise follows months of controversy surrounding his rhetoric on Israel, his alliances with pro-Palestinian activists, and his embrace of figures and organizations that Jewish leaders say have crossed the line from criticism of Israeli policy into delegitimization of the Jewish state. Those concerns have sharpened as details of today’s inauguration emerged.

The swearing-in ceremony, timed to New Year’s Eve, is being staged as a massive public event, with tens of thousands expected to gather in Manhattan for what organizers describe as a celebratory block party. Mamdani is to take the oath of office on the Quran, a symbolic choice highlighted by supporters as a statement of pluralism and inclusion. Senator Bernie Sanders is set to preside over the ceremony, with several progressive national figures expected to participate.

For many Jewish New Yorkers, the symbolism cuts the other way. Community leaders say the inauguration has been framed less as a unifying civic moment and more as a victory lap for a political camp that has consistently dismissed Jewish fears since October 7. Particular concern has centered on the composition of Mamdani’s inaugural committee, which includes activists, entertainers and organizations that have accused Israel of genocide, supported boycotts, or opposed widely accepted definitions of antisemitism.

Jewish leaders note that several committee members have taken part in protests targeting Jewish institutions, justified incendiary rhetoric under the banner of “resistance,” or openly questioned Israel’s right to exist. The inclusion of anti-Zionist Jewish groups has done little to ease those fears, with critics arguing that such organizations provide cover rather than reassurance.

The contrast with outgoing mayor Eric Adams has only heightened the sense of loss felt by some in the Jewish community. Despite a term overshadowed by scandal, mismanagement and a federal investigation, Adams forged unusually close ties with Jewish leaders and was outspoken in his support for Israel after the October 7 attacks. He wore hostage dog tags publicly, confronted hostile protests, and used executive authority to block city support for Israel boycotts. His departure leaves many Jewish New Yorkers feeling politically exposed.

Mamdani has insisted that his administration will protect all communities and has rejected claims that criticism of Israel amounts to antisemitism. Yet he has offered few concrete assurances since his election, and his choice of allies has reinforced doubts about where his priorities lie.

As he prepares to take office, the stakes extend beyond symbolism. Jewish leaders say they are bracing for policy changes on city funding, policing of protests, and official engagement with Israel-related causes. While some hope Mamdani will moderate once in office, others fear New York is entering an era in which Jewish concerns are treated as an inconvenience rather than a civic responsibility.

For now, as the city counts down to a new year and a new mayor, a significant portion of New York’s Jewish population is watching closely, uncertain whether they are about to be welcomed as partners or sidelined in what Mamdani has described as a new era for the city.