Jewish Activists Attend Inauguration of NYC Mayor Mamdani

By COLlive reporter

A number of Jewish community figures joined New Yorkers from across the city outside New York City’s City Hall on New Year’s Day for the inauguration of Zohran Mamdani as the new Mayor of New York City.

Among those in attendance from Crown Heights were community leaders Rabbi Chanina Sperlin, Rabbi Shea Hecht, Chairman of NCFJE, and Rabbi Yaacov Behrman, Director of the Jewish Future Alliance.

The 1:00 PM ceremony, open to “all New Yorkers,” served as the public swearing-in for Mamdani, 34, who moments earlier had taken his official oath at midnight with New York Attorney General Letitia James administering the oath of office. Mamdani used a Quran for the ceremony, becoming the first Muslim mayor in New York City’s history and the first to be sworn in using a Quran.

Addressing thousands gathered on the steps of City Hall, Mamdani leaned directly into the ideology that shaped his campaign and victory.

“I was elected as a Democratic socialist, and I will govern as a democratic socialist,” he stated, making clear he has no intention of tempering his platform. “Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. To those who insist that the era of big government is over, hear me when I say this: No longer will City Hall hesitate to use its power to improve New Yorkers’ lives.”

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered opening remarks, calling his election a sign of a “new era” for the city. Mamdani’s inauguration comes after a campaign built on the theme of affordability, including proposals such as freezing rent and creating city-run grocery stores. The campaign also drew criticism for his statements on Israel and past comments about policing and property rights, which Mamdani dismissed as part of a political effort to distract from his agenda.

Despite these tensions, Mamdani struck a note of unity in his speech.

“Regardless of whether we agree, I will protect you, celebrate with you, mourn alongside you, and never, not for a second, hide from you,” he pledged.

Shortly after taking office, Mamdani signed a sweeping executive order undoing most of former Mayor Eric Adams’ recent directives, signaling a swift break from the previous administration. At his first press conference, he stated, “Today marks the first step in building an administration that works for all New Yorkers,” while adding that some Adams-era measures would be reinstated, including one maintaining an Office to Combat Antisemitism.

Following the ceremony, a large inaugural block party stretched down Broadway along the Canyon of Heroes, continuing the celebrations and giving New Yorkers the opportunity to greet their new mayor.

VIDEO