"Mamdani had a warm welcome at the sukkah of Rabbi Moishe Indig, a leader of the Satmar Hasidic community. One rabbi announced that Indig had called Mamdani "a friend of the Jewish people" and said he would make "the best mayor." "Congratulations - why do we have to waste a few weeks? - on becoming the mayor of New York City. We hope you come back," said the rabbi who greeted Mamdani. Indig also hosted Brad Lander, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and several NYPD officers at his sukkah."
"The seal of approval marks a shift in Mamdani's fortunes with Orthodox leaders. In early June, before Mamdani beat Cuomo in the primary, the Satmar community endorsed Cuomo. Mamdani also stopped at the sukkah of Rabbi Shulem Deutch, who represents another Satmar faction. The Satmars prioritize keeping their religious ways of life free from regulation by local governments. When Cuomo was the governor of New York, he cultivated close ties with Satmar leaders and struck deals with them over yeshiva rules. While the frontrunner's staunch criticism of Israel has prompted skepticism among some Jewish New Yorkers, it's a different matter for Satmar Jews. Traditionally, they are among the ultra-Orthodox who identify with religious anti-Zionism and do not recognize the state of Israel."
Zohran Mamdani visited Williamsburg sukkahs and met with Satmar Orthodox leaders, receiving praise and a warm reception at Rabbi Moishe Indig's sukkah. Indig hosted other local officials and Mamdani also met Rabbi Shulem Deutch of another Satmar faction. The Satmar community emphasizes protecting religious life from municipal regulation and previously endorsed Andrew Cuomo before the primary. Cuomo cultivated ties with Satmar leaders and negotiated over yeshiva rules while governor. The Satmar community's religious anti-Zionism makes criticism of Israel less consequential for their support. A Quinnipiac poll shows Mamdani leading with 46% after Mayor Eric Adams dropped out.
Read at Jewish Telegraphic Agency
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