Following Zohran Mamdani’s election, Israel’s Tzohar Rabbis call Jews worldwide to strengthen bonds and consider Aliyah as destiny.
Jerusalem — The Tzohar Rabbinical Organization, one of Israel’s most influential modern-Orthodox institutions, has issued a heartfelt call to Diaspora Jews following the shocking election of Zohran Mamdani — a politician long criticized for his anti-Israel rhetoric — as the next mayor of New York City, home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel.
In a powerful open letter addressed to Jewish leaders and families worldwide, Tzohar urged communities to “place the option of living in Israel on the community and family agenda,” calling this moment a “necessary wake-up for Jewish introspection.”
“We are now witness to an election wherein an outspoken critic of Israel who allies with virulent antisemites has been chosen to lead the city most central to Jewish life outside Israel,” the letter stated.
While acknowledging the right of New Yorkers to their democratic choice, Tzohar’s message is clear: Jewish destiny cannot depend on the goodwill of others.
🕎 ‘Come Home — Out of Love, Not Fear’
The organization emphasized that the call to Aliyah (immigration to Israel) must not be rooted in panic but in love for the Jewish homeland.
“We must not say that you need to flee in fear and move to Israel out of fright, but rather out of love,” the rabbis wrote. “While antisemitism is increasingly rampant and all-too-often violent, the condition of Jewish communities remains overwhelmingly safe — even if the situation is far more frightening than it was two years ago.”
The letter — penned in a tone both emotional and resolute — described a historic turning point, urging Jews abroad to “become conscientious witnesses to history” and act upon the prophetic signs of renewed Jewish unity.
🕯️ A Spiritual and Strategic Appeal
Far from mere sentimentality, Tzohar’s appeal reflects a growing concern in Israel over global antisemitism, which has surged since the Gaza war and spread across Western campuses and institutions.
“We cannot stand idly by as we witness a rising trend of Jew-hatred, to the point where Jews cannot publicly demonstrate their religion,” the letter warns.
Yet, rather than invoking fear, the rabbis focus on purpose and belonging:
“Only here in Israel can we promise ourselves and our children a long-term future where we can be proud Jews — in private and in public — while shaping the destiny of our nation.”
🇮🇱 ‘Our Flaws — Our Responsibility’
Acknowledging Israel’s imperfections, Tzohar insists they are “our flaws”, and invites American Jews to help improve and enrich Israeli society through their experience and ideals.
“The more American Jews reside in Israel, the better the country will become,” the letter says, praising the contributions Diaspora Jews have made globally and encouraging them to bring that same energy to Israel’s future.
The letter ends on an emotional note, quoting the biblical vision of return:
“Our arms are open, and we wait with excitement to embrace you and sing together V’Shavu Banim L’Gvulam — the children shall return to their borders.”
🕯️ Analysis — A Turning Point for Diaspora-Israel Relations
Tzohar’s statement represents more than a reaction to a political event — it is a moral and historical summons. Many in Israel see Mamdani’s victory as a symbolic warning of rising radicalism cloaked in “progressive” rhetoric, and a reminder that the security of Jewish identity outside Israel can no longer be taken for granted.
This letter could mark the opening of a new Aliyah chapter, one driven not by crisis, but by conviction — by Jews choosing to live where their destiny and identity converge: the Land of Israel.
