Français
Español
English
Portuguese
Avila Chevalier has made opposition to Israel a prominent part of her campaign, repeatedly criticizing Espaillat for supporting Israel and accepting backing from AIPAC.
By United with Israel Staff
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism after endorsing a far-left challenger seeking to unseat one of Congress’ most prominent Hispanic lawmakers and a longtime supporter of Israel.
Mamdani has thrown his support behind Democratic Socialist candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier in her June 23 primary challenge against Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a five-term incumbent who represents New York’s heavily Democratic 13th Congressional District, which spans parts of northern Manhattan and the Bronx.
The endorsement has drawn attention not only because of Espaillat’s standing within the Democratic Party but also because of the sharp ideological divide between the two candidates.
Espaillat, who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has maintained close ties with New York’s Jewish community and a generally pro-Israel voting record.
He supported aid to Israel following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, backed legislation aimed at combating the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement and has received support from pro-Israel organizations, including AIPAC. He also serves as co-chair of the Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus.
Avila Chevalier has made opposition to Israel a prominent part of her campaign, repeatedly criticizing Espaillat for supporting Israel and accepting backing from AIPAC. She has accused the congressman of funding the Israeli military and aligned herself with activist groups that are highly critical of the Jewish state.
Among her supporters are Jewish Voice for Peace Action, the Democratic Socialists of America, Justice Democrats, and former Congressman Jamaal Bowman.
The challenger has also come under scrutiny for a series of inflammatory social media posts. In the past, she reportedly referred to the United States as a “f—king disgrace,” called former President Joe Biden a “war criminal” and criticized Sen. Bernie Sanders for his “liberal Zionism” after he voted present on military funding for Israel.
In another post, she joked that she wiped her hands on an American flag after forgetting to bring napkins.
The race comes as Mamdani himself faces growing criticism over his record on Israel. Just days ago, the mayor skipped New York’s annual Israel Day on Fifth parade, saying he did not attend because of his opposition to the Israeli government. The decision drew backlash from Jewish leaders, who argued he was turning one of the world’s largest celebrations of support for Israel into a political issue.
The move was consistent with Mamdani’s longstanding anti-Israel activism. Before becoming mayor, he supported the BDS movement, accused Israel of apartheid and defended the slogan “Globalize the intifada,” despite widespread concerns that the phrase has been associated with violence against Israelis and Jews.
The endorsement has also generated concern within the Democratic Party. New York State Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs publicly criticized Mamdani’s decision, saying it was a mistake to target an incumbent with Espaillat’s record and standing.
The race highlights growing divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel and the influence of progressive activist groups, particularly in deep-blue districts where primary elections often determine the eventual winner.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
