Why I’m Voting for Cuomo in the June 24 Primary

By a Jewish resident of Crown Heights

In August 1991, the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn descended into chaos. After a tragic accident involving a Hasidic motorcade led to the death of a young Black child, days of violence followed—rioting, looting, and the murder of an innocent Orthodox Jewish student. The Crown Heights riots became a symbol of what happens when identity politics, distrust, and inflammatory rhetoric collide. More than three decades later, many fear history could repeat itself under the leadership of a dangerous new figure: Zohran Mamdani.

Mamdani, a State Assemblyman and far-left candidate for mayor, has made headlines not for unity or leadership—but for extremism. In recent weeks, Mamdani has doubled down on slogans like “Globalize the Intifada” and “Free Palestine from the river to the sea”—phrases widely understood as calls for violence against Jews and the destruction of Israel. While he claims these are nonviolent metaphors for liberation, their real-world impact tells a different story.

The term intifada is not academic—it is historical and violent. The First and Second Intifadas led to the deaths of thousands, including civilians targeted in suicide bombings, shootings, and stabbings. To suggest this should be “globalized” is not a neutral political statement. It’s a provocation.
Mamdani’s defense of these phrases has been widely condemned. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum called his remarks offensive and dangerous. Jewish leaders across the spectrum have expressed fear that Mamdani is normalizing hate under the guise of progressive politics. Even some of his fellow Democrats have voiced discomfort with his refusal to denounce clearly antisemitic rhetoric.

A Chilling Echo of 1991
For the residents of Crown Heights, Mamdani’s words are not just abstract ideas, they are fuel on a smoldering fire. The riots of 1991 were born out of fear, anger, and the failure of leadership. Then-Mayor David Dinkins, though well-intentioned, responded too slowly, allowing tensions to explode into deadly violence.

We are living in a moment of heightened unrest. Since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, antisemitism in New York City has surged. Jews have been attacked in the streets, schools have become battlegrounds, and social media is filled with hate. In this fragile environment, a mayor who gives rhetorical cover to those who cheer for intifada is not just irresponsible—he’s a threat to public safety.

Mamdani’s refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state further alienates New Yorkers who see Israel not just as a foreign country, but as a symbol of Jewish safety and identity. For the Jewish community—especially those in Crown Heights who lived through 1991—his words reopen old wounds.

A Divisive Vision for New York
New York is a city of unmatched diversity. Its strength comes from its ability to hold contradictions in tension—different cultures, religions, and views living side by side. But that balance is fragile. A mayor must be a unifier, a steady hand during crisis, a voice for calm amid noise.

Mamdani has shown none of these qualities.

His politics are not those of inclusion but of confrontation. His campaign echoes the worst instincts of ideological absolutism: casting opponents as immoral, promoting slogans with violent origins, and refusing to take responsibility when confronted with the consequences.

This is not leadership. It’s a recipe for division.

The Stakes Are Real
Some dismiss concerns about Zohran Mamdani as overblown—arguing that his rhetoric, while provocative, poses little real-world danger. But those who remember the Crown Heights riots know how quickly tensions can ignite. When people feel unheard, unsafe, and unprotected, it only takes a single spark—a rally, a street clash, a misunderstood gesture—for deep-seated resentments to erupt into violence.

Today, we’re already witnessing the warning signs: rising polarization, a spike in hate crimes, and growing distrust in our public institutions. The last thing New York needs is a mayor who treats conflict as strategy, who uses incendiary slogans to inflame rather than unite, and who isolates entire communities in the process.

New Yorkers deserve a leader who bridges divides, not deepens them. Someone who responds swiftly to hate—not by rationalizing its origins, but by standing firmly against it. A mayor who sees every community—Jewish, Muslim, Black, immigrant—not as political pawns, but as fellow citizens worthy of protection and respect.

Mamdani’s record shows he is not that leader. His ideology may resonate in academic halls or protest rallies, but it has no place in City Hall. This city needs healing—not hostility.

You Have the Power to Prevent a Mistake. Vote on June 24

This election is not about abstract politics. It’s about safety, unity, and the future of a city still carrying the weight of its past. If we ignore the warning signs, we risk repeating history.

Early voting is open now. Primary Day is June 24. Make your voice heard before it’s too late. Find your polling place here: https://vote.nyc/page/find-your-poll-site

The Crown Heights Community leaders strongly urged residents to vote strategically in this election to protect the community from the dangerous rhetoric and policies represented by Mamdani. They have recommended the following ranked choices:
1. Andrew Cuomo – While Cuomo is an imperfect candidate who has made mistakes in the past, this election is not about perfection—it’s about protection. Cuomo has the experience and the strength to counteract Mamdani’s extremism and bring stability to New York City.

2. Zellnor Myrie – A solid second choice with a proven record in public service and a commitment to interfaith and intercommunity dialogue.

3. Adrienne E. Adams – A respected figure in city government who has demonstrated a balanced and thoughtful approach to leadership.

This ranked vote strategy is a critical tool to ensure that Mamdani’s divisive vision does not take hold in City Hall.
New York must choose leadership over radicalism—peace over provocation. The future of Crown Heights depends on it.