Columbia University professors who defended Hamas’s October 7 attack are now bankrolling Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani’s radical mayoral campaign, potentially bringing extremist anti-Israel ideology to New York City’s highest office.
Key Takeaways
- Columbia faculty members who signed letters defending Hamas have made significant donations to Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign
- Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist endorsed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, openly supports the BDS movement and has refused to disavow the “globalize the intifada” slogan
- The candidate has vowed to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York City and does not support Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state
- Mamdani’s anti-Israel stance may alienate Jewish voters, but his campaign focuses on populist economic policies including free childcare, free buses, and higher taxes on wealthy New Yorkers
- His father, Columbia professor Mahmood Mamdani, has contributed significantly to his son’s campaign and has publicly advocated for Palestinian violence
Columbia’s Anti-Israel Academics Fund Mamdani’s Campaign
Multiple Columbia University professors who defended Hamas following the October 7 terror attacks have emerged as financial backers of Zohran Mamdani’s bid to become New York City’s next mayor. These academic donors include prominent figures like Katherine Franke, Lila Abu-Lughod, Reinhold Martin, James Schamus, and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak – all of whom signed letters defending Hamas’s actions. The financial support from these professors raises serious questions about the influence of radical anti-Israel ideology on local politics in America’s largest city.
Among the most significant contributors is Mahmood Mamdani, the candidate’s father and a Columbia anthropology professor who has publicly advocated for Palestinian violence. The elder Mamdani has donated substantially to his son’s campaign while maintaining his position at the university. Katherine Franke, who recently retired from Columbia amid an investigation into her conduct, has not only donated to Mamdani’s campaign but also actively participated in pro-Hamas demonstrations and has a history of supporting the radical Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.
Mamdani’s Radical Platform and Anti-Israel Stance
Zohran Mamdani, currently a New York State Assemblyman, has built his mayoral campaign around democratic socialist policies that include free childcare, free buses, a rent freeze, and significantly higher taxes on wealthy New Yorkers. While these economic proposals have resonated with his progressive base, his positions on Israel have drawn widespread criticism. Mamdani has openly declared he does not support Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, endorses the BDS movement, and has refused to disavow the inflammatory “globalize the intifada” slogan.
“has demonstrated a real ability on the ground to put together a coalition of working-class New Yorkers that is strongest to lead the pack,” said Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Representative.
In one of his most controversial statements, Mamdani vowed to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he were to visit New York City as mayor. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has specifically criticized Mamdani for his comments and positions regarding Israel. His stance has alienated many Jewish voters in a city with one of the largest Jewish populations in the world, potentially creating a significant obstacle to his electoral ambitions despite strong backing from the far-left wing of the Democratic Party.
The Race for New York’s Future
Mamdani faces stiff competition from former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who despite his own scandals, has secured significant union support and maintains high name recognition. Cuomo has not hesitated to attack Mamdani’s limited political experience and radical platform. During recent debates, Cuomo dismissed his opponent’s record in government as minimal and ineffective, highlighting the stark contrast between Mamdani’s ideological approach and his own more pragmatic positioning.
“He’s been in government 27 minutes. He’s passed three bills. That’s all he’s done,” said Andrew Cuomo, Former New York Governor.
Born in Uganda and having moved to New York City at age 7, Mamdani was elected to the state Assembly in 2020. His legislative achievements remain limited, though he did help establish a pilot program for free city buses. Political analysts note that for Mamdani to have any chance at victory, he must expand his appeal beyond his young, progressive base to reach moderate voters concerned about the practicality and cost of his ambitious proposals – many of which would require state approval to implement. The Columbia professors’ financial backing represents just one aspect of this complex electoral landscape.
