Leftist Jewish group JFREJ endorses Lander and Mamdani for NYC mayor

The Jewish Vote, the electoral arm of the leftist group Jews for Economic and Racial Justice (JFREJ), endorses two candidates for New York City mayor — Brad Lander and Zohran Mamdani.

Both are seen as underdogs in the race currently dominated by former New York governor Andrew Cuomo.

Lander is the progressive Jewish New York City comptroller who has long ties to JFREJ. Mamdani is a New York State assembly member and harsh critic of Israel who has drawn the ire of mainstream Jewish organizations.

“We couldn’t be prouder to throw the weight of our 6,000 members behind Brad Lander and Zohran Mamdani,” says Audrey Sasson, JFREJ’s executive director. “Now more than ever, we need courageous, reliable leaders who will defend New Yorkers, stand up to Donald Trump and his authoritarian agenda, and invest in making NYC a true sanctuary city that takes care of people at every age and stage of life.”

Mamdani is affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America. The group’s New York branch backed a rally on October 8, 2023, celebrating the Hamas invasion of Israel, that drew outrage from New York’s democratic leadership. Mamdani’s own statement that day focused on criticism of Israel and blamed Israel for the violence.

Mamdani has said that, if elected mayor, he would arrest Prime Minister Netanyahu if he travels to New York City, and has introduced state legislation that would strip nonprofit status from charities that have any ties to settlements.

“For more than three decades, Jews For Racial & Economic Justice has been on the frontlines of the fight for a city that works for working people,” Mamdani said in a statement. “In this moment of far-right authoritarianism, political corruption and a crushing cost of living crisis, it is a profound honor to have the support of JFREJ and the Jewish Vote as we build this campaign for every New Yorker who believes in the dignity of their neighbors.”

Lander has taken a more centrist tack than JFREJ in the mayoral campaign. He acknowledged to The Times of Israel last month that he differed with the group on security funding for nonprofits, for example. JFREJ opposes the funding, including for synagogues, while Lander is in favor.

“JFREJ’s endorsement adds to the broad, diverse coalition of New Yorkers we’re building who are ready to end the Adams-Cuomo corruption and hungry for a safer, more affordable, and better run city,” Lander said in a statement.