(MENAFN) Israeli government ministers have condemned Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, calling on local Jews to consider relocating to Israel. Mamdani, a Democratic candidate, made history Tuesday by becoming both the first Muslim and South Asian to hold the office.

“The city, which used to be the symbol of world freedom, handed over its keys to a Hamas supporter,” said Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli on social media. He described Mamdani’s victory as a “critical turning point” for New York, historically home to one of the largest Jewish communities outside Israel. “I invite the Jews of New York to consider positively determining their new place in the Land of Israel,” Chikli added.

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir labeled Mamdani’s election as “antisemitism’s triumph over common sense,” calling him “a Hamas supporter, a hater of Israel and an avowed anti-semite.” Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon also criticized Mamdani, warning that his leadership could affect the Jewish community’s sense of security given his oversight of the police force.

Mamdani, however, has consistently denounced antisemitism and pledged support for New York’s Jewish residents. “I’ve said at every opportunity that there is no room for antisemitism in this city, in this country. I’ve said that because that is something I personally believe,” he stated during his campaign. He also promised to build a City Hall “that stands steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers, and does not waver in the fight against the scourge of anti-Semitism.”

With over 50% of the vote in a three-way race and 91% of ballots counted, Mamdani enjoys backing from a diverse coalition, including Jewish voters opposed to Netanyahu’s policies, particularly following the 2023 Gaza conflict. Reports indicate Israel’s military actions in Gaza killed nearly 69,000 people and injured over 170,000 before a ceasefire on Oct. 10.

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