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On Sunday, a group of protesters gathered outside a Brooklyn synagogue to demonstrate against a visit by Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate, who was meeting with the congregation, as reported by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Mamdani, who is Muslim, hails from Uganda and has served in the New York State Assembly since 2021. Residing in Queens, he identifies as a Democratic socialist.

Congregation Beth Elohim, based in Park Slope, extended invitations to various candidates to engage with its members “to better understand the individuals aspiring to lead our city.” The congregation’s website underscores the importance of maintaining an “open dialogue about the issues most dear to us.”

Zohran Mamdani a vocal critic of Israel

However, certain congregation members viewed this invitation as offensive due to Mamdani’s perspective on Israel. He openly criticizes Israel, labeling its actions in Gaza as “genocide” and “apartheid.” 

“It seems evident that any organization that supports the elimination of Israel should be unwelcome in our congregation. This is akin to welcoming Yasser Arafat among us,” expressed Elaine Kleinberg, who has been part of BCE for 25 years, in her discussion with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

The synagogue reportedly received 400 registrations, and 82 members submitted questions. Senior rabbi Rachel Timoner said about half of the selected questions addressed the issue of Israel, Zionism and anti-semitism, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Timonder told JTA that Mamdani’s appearance would be followed by Repu blican nominee Curtis Sliwa.

One congregant, who requested anonymity, told JTA that he was still working on how he felt about Mamdani after the visit.   

“The guy has a history of being pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist, anti-Israel as a Jewish state. I am typical of this community, anti-the prosecution of the war by the current Israeli government. I’m against them, but I am for Israel as a Jewish state, and I’m not quite sure. He’s still sort of vague where he stands or not,” the congregant said.

Zohran Mamdani has faced criticism

Mamdani has faced criticism for failing to condemn the pro-Palestinian phrase “globalize the intifada” and for his support of the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions movement against Israel. He also supports free buses, city-owned grocery stores, rent freezes, no-cost childcare and and taxing big corporations and New York’s wealthiest. 

In his statement on the two-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack, Mamdani said Hamas had committed a “horrific war crime, killing more than 1,100 Israelis and kidnapping 250 more.” He also condemned Israel for launching a “genocidal war” and the U.S. government for being “complicit through it all.” 

“The occupation and apartheid must end. Peace must be pursued through democracy, not war crimes, and our government must act to end these atrocities and hold those responsible to account.”

Mamdani’s mother is an Indian-born filmmaker, Mira Nair, who earned acclaim for her movies “Salaam Bombay,” “Mississippi Masala,” and “Monsoon Wedding.” She was reportedly raised in a Hindu family. His father is Mahmood Mamdani, an academic, author and political commentator. He is a Muslim and was born in Bombay, India, and raised in Kampala, Uganda.

New York City is home to the largest Jewish population in the world outside Israel.