A coalition of Jewish leaders is pushing other Jewish Democrats in office to get behind socialist Zohran Mamdani for mayor — hoping to cash in on their fears of being primaried by similarly Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates next year if they don’t rally around their party’s Israel-bashing nominee, sources said.
The “Jews for Zohran” offensive to win over Jewish pols includes Mamdani’s top Jewish surrogates — city Comptroller Brad Lander and Rep. Jerrold Nadler, sources told The Post.
One lawmaker — who requested anonymity — confirmed getting an invite for a Jewish leaders’ meeting with Mamdani.
A source briefed on the matter said the meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday morning at a union hall.
Lander, the city comptroller who came in third in the mayoral primary, has been Mamdani’s biggest booster in the Jewish community. As a rival mayoral candidate, Lander cross-endorsed him in the ranked-choice primary.
Nadler, the dean of the New York House delegation first elected to the House in 1992 and who represents much of Manhattan, endorsed Mamdani after he won the primary.
Still, a Mamdani endorsement is a tough decision for some Jewish pols, with many constituents still upset that the Democratic nominee has not denounced the rallying cry “globalize the intifada.” Mamdani also supports the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel.
Yet, they are being pressured from the left flank to back Mamdani, who would become the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor if he wins the general election in November. He soundly defeated ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the primary 56% to 44% by relentlessly focusing on pocketbook issues.
Lawmakers are reportedly concerned that Mamdani’s DSA allies — the backbone of his campaign — will back primary challengers against them if they don’t support the Democratic nominee.
“They’re waving the white flag,” one Jewish activist fumed. “They’re petrified.”
Former city Councilman Rory Lancman, a Jew who previously served as a vice chairman of the state Democratic Party, urged his fellow Jewish Dems to reject the calls to get behind Mamdani.
“If ever there was a time to put principle over party, this is it,” Lancman said.
Many moderate and Jewish lawmakers have yet to warm up to the socialist nominee.
State Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs, a Jew who is also the Nassau Democratic leader and a close ally of Gov. Kathy Hochul, hasn’t commented on Mamdani’s primary victory.
Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Brooklynite and the highest-ranking Jew in Congress, congratulated Mamdani but has yet to endorse him. Neither has Rep. Dan Goldman, who represents lower Manhattan and brownstone Brooklyn.
Jewish House Democrats from other parts of the country — including former Democratic National Committee chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz — are on edge, expressing concerns about Mamdani’s anti-Israel stand amid rising antisemitism.
The Mamdani campaign had no immediate comment.
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