Over 650 rabbis issued a warning on Wednesday about the potential dangers of electing Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist frontrunner. They expressed concerns that his stance could jeopardize “the safety and dignity of Jews in every city,” due to his unwillingness to denounce the “globalize the intifada” movement, his rejection of Israel’s legitimacy, and his claims of “genocide,” as highlighted in a letter from the Jewish Majority.

This open letter, titled “A Rabbinic Call to Action: Defending the Jewish Future,” emphasized the rabbis’ inability to stay silent amidst the growing wave of anti-Zionism and its mainstream acceptance in the nation. They argued that when figures like Mamdani fail to reject violent rhetoric, question Israel’s legitimacy, and accuse the Jewish state of genocide, they undermine the Jewish community and foster hostility towards Judaism and its followers.

Citing New York Board of Rabbis president Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch, the letter highlighted that such rhetoric not only undermines the Jewish community but also fuels animosity towards Jews and Judaism, crossing the line from policy discussion to causing harm to the community.

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove from Park Avenue Synagogue, also mentioned in the letter, stressed that Zionism and Jewish self-determination are integral components of Jewish identity. “Zionism, Israel, Jewish self-determination — these are not mere political stances or partisan issues,” he stated. “They are fundamental elements of my Jewish identity. To accept me as a Jew while asking me to disregard my concern for Israel is both illogical and offensive.”

The rabbis declared, “We will not tolerate a culture that treats Jewish self-determination as a negotiable concept or Jewish inclusion as something to be ‘bestowed.’ The security and dignity of Jews everywhere rely on rejecting such a false dichotomy.”

“We will not accept a culture that treats Jewish self-determination as a negotiable ideal or Jewish inclusion as something to be ‘granted,’” the rabbis wrote. “The safety and dignity of Jews in every city depend on rejecting that false choice.”

The letter urges Americans “who value peace and equality” to stand up for candidates who reject antisemitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric and affirm Israel’s right to exist in peace and security.