By: Fern Sidman

In a pointed and passionate rebuke, more than 60 Jewish leaders and community members in Queens have signed an open letter condemning State Senator John Liu for his recent endorsement of assemblyman and outspoken anti-Israel figure Zohran Mamdani in the upcoming New York City mayoral race, as was reported by The New York Post on Tuesday.

The strongly worded letter, spearheaded by longtime community leader Michael Nussbaum, declares Liu’s support for Mamdani as a “slap in the face” to the Jewish community and accuses the senator of aligning himself with a candidate who has “made it clear that he is a virulent anti-Semite in words and deeds.”

The letter is expected to appear in prominent Jewish publications in Queens this week, alongside a visual depiction of the Israeli flag with the Star of David featured in the upper corner—a stark reminder of the ethnic and national identity at stake in the controversy.

Senator Liu, who represents the 16th District in northeast Queens—a constituency with a sizable Jewish population—announced his endorsement of Mamdani on June 2. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist representing western Queens in the state Assembly, has made headlines for his fervent support of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and for questioning Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.

As reported by The New York Post, Liu attempted to qualify his endorsement by acknowledging a “big disagreement” with Mamdani on “the issue of Israel and how the Jewish community needs to be viewed in this social climate.” However, critics say that caveat does little to offset the damage done.

“Why would he attach his name to someone who is an enemy of Israel and the Jewish people?” Nussbaum asked in a statement to The Post. Nussbaum, a board member of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York and a former president of the Queens Jewish Community Council, said he has known Liu for decades and was “shocked and heartbroken” by the endorsement.

The letter has been signed by a diverse and influential roster of Jewish leaders and activists. Among the signatories are former CUNY trustee Jeffrey Wiesenfeld; Yaniv Meirov, CEO of the Chazaq Organization; cantor Alan Brava of the Free Synagogue of Flushing; Zev Berman, executive VP of the Queens Jewish Community Council; retired judges Jeremy Weinstein and Jeff Leibowitz; and David Aronov of the UJA Federation of New York, according to the information provided in The New York Post report.

In one of its most striking passages, the letter quotes a biblical verse to convey a deep sense of betrayal: “Even my close friend whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.”

The statement leaves little doubt about the letter’s intent—not just to express disappointment, but to signal that Liu’s political calculation could have long-term consequences in a borough where Jewish voters have historically played a crucial electoral role.

Liu, a respected political figure who made history as the first Asian-American elected to a citywide office when he served as New York City Comptroller, responded to the backlash with a measured tone. In a statement issued Tuesday and quoted by The New York Post, he acknowledged the “deep disapproval” from the Jewish community and accepted the criticism.

“This public rebuke – and the many private protestations – come from respected individuals and organizations with whom I’ve worked for many years, and I accept them and the consequences they will bear,” Liu said. “Notwithstanding the deep disapproval of my endorsement, I will continue to stand with and up for the Jewish community.”

Despite this assertion, many Jewish leaders remain unconvinced. The New York Post report observed that they view Liu’s endorsement of Mamdani not merely as a disagreement on policy, but as a moral and ideological breach in a time when anti-Semitism is spiking across the city and the country.

Assemblyman Mamdani has emerged as a divisive political figure, particularly in Jewish and pro-Israel circles. As previously reported by The New York Post, Mamdani’s support for the BDS movement places him firmly in opposition to many mainstream Jewish organizations and advocacy groups. His rhetoric on social media and in public statements has drawn sharp criticism for allegedly demonizing Israel and downplaying acts of anti-Semitic violence.

In the context of the mayoral race, Mamdani’s policy positions have earned him a loyal following among progressive activists—but also deep suspicion among those who see his worldview as fundamentally hostile to Jewish identity and the state of Israel.

That suspicion has only grown stronger in the wake of Hamas’ brutal attacks against Israeli civilians on October 7 and the subsequent rise in anti-Israel protests across New York City. The report in The New York Post explained that Jewish leaders have repeatedly warned that the “Red-Green alliance” between far-left radicals and Islamist sympathizers poses an existential threat not just to Israel, but to Jewish life in diaspora communities such as  Queens.

In interviews with The New York Post, letter signatories emphasized that the Jewish community is not monolithic and welcomes debate. But they drew a clear line when it comes to politicians who support groups or individuals calling for the destruction of Israel.

“This isn’t about politics. This is about safety. This is about values. This is about knowing who stands with you when your very identity is under attack,” said Meirov of the Chazaq Organization.

Others expressed concern that Liu’s endorsement might encourage further normalization of extreme anti-Israel views in Democratic politics.

“Senator Liu has long been seen as a bridge-builder and a unifier,” said Wiesenfeld. “But there is no bridge to be built with someone who denies the right of Israel to exist or defends terrorist sympathizers. This was a bridge too far.”

As the mayoral race heats up, the controversy over Liu’s endorsement could become a litmus test for candidates seeking the Jewish vote. It may also force broader conversations within the Democratic Party about how to balance support for human rights with a firm rejection of extremism.

For now, the open letter stands as a sobering reminder that political alliances have real consequences—especially in a borough like Queens, where ethnic and religious communities coexist side-by-side and where mutual respect has long been the foundation of civic life.

As The New York Post report indicated, the question many Jewish voters are now asking is simple: If our allies won’t stand with us when we need them most, who will?