NEW YORK (VINnews)— Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch issued a stark warning about the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America and radical Islamist movements during a wide-ranging discussion about New York politics, antisemitism, Israel and the future of the Democratic Party.

Appearing with Giuliani, Schonbuch argued that the political changes taking place in New York should be viewed as a warning to the rest of the country.

“America, not just New York City, is in existential danger right now,” Schonbuch said, pointing to the rise of Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other candidates associated with the socialist left. He described what he called a growing “Red-Green Alliance” between far-left political movements and Islamist activists.

Giuliani agreed that the threat extends far beyond ordinary partisan politics.

“We have no excuse now,” Giuliani said, arguing that radical movements are increasingly open about their desire to fundamentally transform American institutions. He warned that many Americans lack the historical knowledge necessary to recognize the ideological movements developing around them.

Schonbuch compared the current political environment to revolutionary movements of the early 20th century and argued that the DSA’s growing political influence should be taken seriously beyond New York.

“The DSA has infected, parasitically, the entire Democratic Party,” Schonbuch said, pointing to socialist candidates emerging not only in New York but across the Midwest and elsewhere in the country.

The conversation also turned to Israel, where Schonbuch recently spent time. He described a striking disconnect between international portrayals of the Jewish state and everyday life inside the country.

“When you go there, you get into the airport, you see Jews, you see Muslims, you see Christians living together in an advanced democracy,” he said, pointing to the participation of Arab citizens throughout Israeli society.

Giuliani recalled visiting Israel during the Second Intifada following terrorist attacks and meeting victims of the violence. He said that although he traveled there intending to strengthen Israelis, their resilience ultimately strengthened him.

“They gave me support and morale,” Giuliani recalled.

Both men argued that Americans need a better understanding of history to recognize the ideological forces now shaping politics.

Giuliani said generations of Americans have not been adequately taught the history of communism, revolutionary movements and radical Islam, leaving younger voters particularly vulnerable to political extremism.

“We have to get the American people to understand the danger that they face from this dual threat,” Giuliani said.

Schonbuch said the response should begin by rebuilding the broad political coalition that once helped define New York City — bringing together Jews, Catholics, Italians, Irish, African Americans, Latinos and other communities around shared civic values.

With the midterm elections approaching, he argued that voters who oppose the socialist movement cannot afford to remain politically disengaged.

“Vote as your life depended upon it right now,” Schonbuch said. “There’s no room to sit back.”

The discussion concluded with Schonbuch predicting that political developments in New York and Michigan could accelerate a broader realignment among Jewish voters who have traditionally supported Democrats.

He argued that mainstream Jewish voters increasingly concerned about antisemitism, Israel and the direction of the progressive movement may begin reconsidering their longtime political loyalties.

Giuliani praised Schonbuch for continuing to speak publicly about the issue.

“I know you’re doing a lot of good by spreading this message because you’re so effective,” Giuliani said.

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