NYC Synagogue: Vote for the NY Mayor - or don't come to Shul on Rosh Hashanah
A major Brooklyn synagogue has announced an unprecedented policy, requiring members to show proof of voter registration to secure seats for the High Holidays. The move is a direct response to the NYC mayoral race and concerns that an anti-Israel candidate could pose a real risk to the Jewish community.
Twitter
As New York City’s mayoral election approaches, tensions are rising in Brooklyn’s Haredi community. The central Sephardic synagogue for Mizrahi Jews in Brooklyn, Shaarei Zion, has sparked controversy by announcing that starting this year, anyone wishing to reserve seats for the High Holidays must provide proof of voter registration, according to U.S. Haredi network YWN.
The unprecedented move has been described by community sources as a “real revolution” in the Haredi world. In a letter to members, synagogue leadership wrote:
"In about two months, the New York City mayoral elections will take place. The results could lead to serious problems for the city in general, and for Jewish communities in particular. The security and quality of life of our community and institutions could be at real risk. Therefore, we have no choice but to require all members and their spouses to show proof of voter registration as a condition for reserving High Holiday seats."
The letter added: "If you are not yet registered, there is a simple way to do so that takes only a few minutes. Please click the link and register yourself and any family members over 18." The leadership emphasized that while prayer and divine providence remain central, they believe in taking all possible steps to prevent serious risks to the community.
Community members reportedly understood the decision, with some praising the measure as a way to encourage civic responsibility within the Haredi world. Observers suggest the initiative could serve as a model for other communities.
Brooklyn’s Haredi and wider New York Jewish communities are closely watching the mayoral race, where anti-Israel candidate Zohran Mamdani currently leads. Other candidates include Republican Curtis Sliwa, former governor Andrew Cuomo running as an independent, and current mayor Eric Adams.
U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to do everything possible to prevent the election of a candidate openly supportive of the BDS movement.
The election, set for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, is expected to significantly impact the future of New York’s Jewish community, particularly given the candidates’ positions on key issues affecting the community.