Bill Sponsored By Mamdani Sparks Debate
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is facing intensifying scrutiny after resurfaced details of his 2023 legislative proposal drew widespread condemnation across the political spectrum.
The bill, titled the “Not on our dime!: Ending New York funding of Israeli settler violence act,” would impose heavy fines—starting at $1 million—on Jewish organizations and synagogues for donating to specific Israeli charities that Mamdani deems politically objectionable.
The legislation targets not-for-profit organizations providing support to communities in Judea and Samaria (commonly referred to by critics as the “West Bank”), East Jerusalem, and even Gaza. It labels these areas as “occupied territories,” a designation that would include parts of Israel’s capital under the bill’s language.
Mamdani’s bill defines “settlement activity” broadly, including any support—financial, logistical, or otherwise—provided to Israeli civilians, emergency responders, or governmental activities in these regions.
Under the proposed law, contributions to respected humanitarian organizations such as United Hatzalah and ZAKA—both of which are internationally recognized for providing emergency medical care and rescue operations—would be banned and penalized. The One Israel Fund, which funds security and welfare for over half a million residents in Judea and Samaria, would also be a prohibited recipient.
The bill, authored by Mamdani, a self-described Democratic Socialist and prominent supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, immediately drew outrage when introduced. While his allies, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, have echoed his rhetoric at rallies, senior Democratic leaders in New York distanced themselves swiftly.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins made clear the legislation would not advance to a vote. A bipartisan group of 25 lawmakers signed a letter denouncing it as a calculated political stunt.
Critics argue the bill amounts to a targeted assault on Jewish charitable activity and religious freedom, using punitive legislation to enforce ideological orthodoxy. “It was only introduced to antagonize pro-Israel New Yorkers and sow divisions within the Democratic Party,” the joint letter stated.
Despite the backlash, Mamdani won the Democratic Party’s endorsement in the mayoral race, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the primary. His nomination, however, has alarmed business leaders, moderates, and New York’s large Jewish population. His rhetoric, often laced with Marxist allusions and revolutionary imagery, has further fueled concerns about what a Mamdani-led administration could mean for New York’s stability, economy, and international standing.