Four progressive rabbis who released a video titled “Jews for Zohran” are drawing ridicule for the ad promoting Democratic frontrunner in the New York City mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani, a state assemblyman with a history of anti-Israel comments.
“As Jews, as rabbis, as New Yorkers, we believe that all people deserve to thrive. Zohran agrees,” says Abby Stein, a transgender activist and former Orthodox rabbi, in the video, which Jews for Racial and Economic Justice produced. (Stein was removed from a Pride celebration at the White House in 2024 after interrupting then-first lady Jill Biden with anti-Israel chants.)
The New York Post reported that Stein met with the Iranian president at an interfaith meeting in New York City during the United Nations General Assembly in October 2024.
Three other left-wing rabbis appear in the video: Emily Cohen of Manhattan’s West End Synagogue, Miriam Grossman (who organized a “seder in the streets” for Palestinians) and Rachel Goldenberg, a Jews for Racial and Economic Justice leader.
“‘Transgender rabbis for Zohran’ should be a Saturday Night Live sketch, but somehow, it’s a real part of his political campaign,” stated conservative activist and writer Christopher Rufo. “Prayers up for New York City.” (The comedian Eli Lebowicz stated, “I couldn’t make a better parody Zohran ad if I tried.”)
“Thought this was satire from Eretz Nehederet—Israel’s far funnier SNL,” stated Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “Went back and realized it was real. Yes, the Jewish community has its own share of absurd people—‘rabbis,’ good grief—with insane views.”
