Mamdani Promises: “We’ll Divest From Israel, Ease Crackdown on Pro-Palestinians”

Zohran Mamdani, the surprise Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, is attempting a delicate balancing act. Once known for hardline anti-Israel positions, Mamdani now emphasizes moderation, crediting influence from figures like London mayor Sadiq Khan and former president Barack Obama. But in an interview Sunday with CBS New York, Mamdani declared he would pull city pension funds out of Israeli government bonds if elected on November 4.

“We shouldn’t have a fund investing in violations of international law,” Mamdani said.

Earlier in his career, Mamdani used the slogan “Global Intifada”, a phrase tied to memories of bus bombings and terror in Israel. He has since abandoned it after a conversation with a rabbi who described the fear it evoked.

“I understood that the phrase’s impact was far from its intended meaning,” he said.

At a recent rally with Senator Bernie Sanders, Mamdani instead railed against police “criminalization of solidarity with Palestinians” on U.S. campuses, vowing to end heavy-handed policing of student protests.

Israeli bonds have long been considered one of NYC’s most stable investments, averaging 5% annual return with zero defaults. Outgoing Comptroller Brad Lander drastically reduced exposure, fueling accusations of caving to BDS pressure. His successor, Mark Levine, has pledged to restore the investments.

Meanwhile, Israel Bonds notes record U.S. support, $5.5 billion since October 7, including major commitments from state and local governments.

The race has drawn unusual intrigue: the New York Times reported that Donald Trump offered current mayor Eric Adams an ambassadorship to Saudi Arabia if he stepped aside to clear the path for Andrew Cuomo.

Despite these machinations, Mamdani leads the polls, though under 50%. In New York, even a single-vote margin secures City Hall.