NEW YORK (VINnews) — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he does not support Israel being defined as a Jewish state if it privileges one religion over another, while also condemning rising antisemitism in New York City during an interview with ABC News’ Jonathan Karl that aired Sunday.
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Speaking on ABC’s “This Week,” Karl asked Mamdani whether he supports Israel as a Jewish state.

“I’ve said time and again that I support the state of Israel as a state with equal rights,” Mamdani said. Pressed specifically on whether he supports Israel as a Jewish state, he replied: “I believe that any state that privileges one religion over the other is one that I can’t tell you I support, whether it be Israel or Saudi Arabia or anywhere else.”

Mamdani said his position is rooted in a belief that all people should enjoy equal rights regardless of religion. Asked about the Democratic Socialists of America’s opposition to a two-state solution, he declined to endorse one, saying instead that he supports “equal rights for all people.”

Karl also asked whether there is room in the Democratic Party for candidates who support Israel and U.S. military aid to the country. Mamdani responded that Democratic voters have increasingly opposed U.S. funding for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and said party leaders should listen to those concerns.

During the interview, Karl questioned Mamdani about rising antisemitism in New York City. Mamdani acknowledged that antisemitism has increased, noting that although Jews make up a minority of the city’s population, they continue to account for a majority of reported hate-crime victims.

“That’s something that’s unacceptable,” Mamdani said. “It’s something that we will never come to see as if it is a part of life.”

Karl also asked Mamdani about a Brooklyn coffee shop that refused to serve Rep. Dan Goldman because of the congressman’s support for Israel. While saying he has political disagreements with Goldman, Mamdani said the coffee shop’s actions “go beyond” legitimate political criticism.