Rabbi slams Mamdani over lack of regret on anti-Israel and policing views as NYC mayoral race intensifies

On the eve of the penitential Jewish High Holidays, a prominent New York rabbinical leader criticized Zohran Mamdani for what he called a lack of genuine contrition over past hardline views on Israel and policing, saying Mamdani has “failed miserably” at showing real remorse. Rabbi Marc Schneier, a Hamptons-based leader and friend of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, authored the critique in amNY, arguing that Mamdani’s rhetoric has softened primarily for political gain rather than from a sincere change of heart.

Schneier wrote that Mamdani has repeatedly said his views have evolved, but the rabbi argued what he presents is not regret. “What he presents is not regret. It is repositioning. The first step in acknowledging your mistakes is to express regret for past actions,” Schneier wrote, according to excerpts highlighted in coverage of the piece. He also pointed to Mamdani’s past push to decriminalize prostitution, proposals to abolish the city’s specialized high school entrance exam, and his description of the NYPD as “racist.”

The op-ed also spotlighted Mamdani’s resistance to condemning a rallying cry associated with support for a Palestinian cause and his recent call to drop a Holocaust remembrance group’s definition of antisemitism. Schneier wrote that the High Holy Days demand a genuine process of introspection and self-evaluation, and that Mamdani’s failure to express contrition represents a serious test unmet. Schneier is described as a friend and supporter of Mamdani’s mayoral rival, Andrew Cuomo, a connection that adds political texture to the critique as the race grows more contentious.

Schneier’s critique arrives as Mamdani, a Queens lawmaker who would become the city’s first Muslim mayor if elected, works to soften some of his left-leaning stances ahead of November’s election. The op-ed coincides with broader questions about how a candidate’s past positions on policing, Israel, and social policy are weighed by voters and by Jewish communities that have historically played a pivotal role in New York politics.

The rabbi’s public rebuke has fed a wider narrative about trust and accountability in the race, particularly as single-issue and identity considerations intersect with the campaign’s messaging. A Brooklyn synagogue recently restricted High Holiday seating to congregants who were registered to vote, a maneuver described by a source as aimed at the Democratic nominee. Such moves underscore the ways in which religious-life logistics can become a political signal in a city with a long memory of policy debates and alliance-building.

Mamdani, who has argued that his positions have evolved on issues ranging from criminal justice to foreign policy, has repeatedly contended that he is not antisemitic. His supporters say the evolving stance is part of a broader shift within a new generation of progressive leaders who seek to balance reform with concerns about security and community cohesion. Critics, however, argue that the timing and emphasis reflect political calculations aimed at widening Mamdani’s broad coalition while navigating scrutiny from Jewish voters and other communities concerned about his approach to Israel and policing.

The debate over Mamdani’s past and present views is intersecting with the larger dynamics of the New York City mayoral race. The candidate has invoked a shift in emphasis toward progressive priorities, while opponents highlight the value of clear, explicit statements on sensitive issues. The tension has foregrounded questions about accountability, the sincerity of political recalibration, and how public figures are expected to respond to four decades of geopolitical and domestic debate that continue to shape city policy and community relations.

In parallel with Schneier’s op-ed, media coverage has catalogued Mamdani’s past proposals and recent positions, illustrating how the candidate’s messaging has evolved under the pressures of a citywide contest. Some observers say the critique from a well-known religious leader underscores a broader reluctance among some voters to accept softened rhetoric without demonstrable, verifiable changes in policy or conduct.

The race remains fluid, with supporters framing Mamdani’s reformulation as a response to a changing city and critics urging greater clarity and repentance for past stances. As election day approaches, the interplay of religion, identity, and policy will likely continue to influence the narrative around Mamdani’s candidacy and the broader dynamics of New York City politics.