The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor has stirred strong reactions internationally, particularly in Israel.
Following Mamdani’s historic win, Israeli right-wing politician Avigdor Liberman made headlines by urging New York’s Jewish community to “return home to Israel.” His statement, shared on social media, framed the appeal as a response to what he described as a “political and cultural shift” in the United States.
Liberman suggested that Jewish people living in New York should “come back to their homeland” as global politics and urban leadership continue to evolve. His remarks have sparked debate both in Israel and the U.S., with some seeing it as a political statement aimed at reinforcing Israeli nationalism, while others viewed it as unnecessary interference in American affairs.
Meanwhile, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who proudly identifies as a Muslim and immigrant of South Asian heritage, emphasized unity and inclusion in his post-election speech. He stated that his victory represents a new era of equality and representation in American politics, one that celebrates diversity rather than divides people along religious or ethnic lines.
While Liberman’s remarks drew mixed reactions, Mamdani’s supporters celebrated his win as a moment of pride for immigrant communities and a symbol of progress toward a more inclusive and multicultural America.
His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for January 1, 2026.
