The Bobov Chassidic community has endorsed former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the upcoming June 24 Democratic primary for New York City mayor.
Joel Rosenfeld, a Bobov community leader, told JNS that after meetings with numerous candidates, community leaders “have concluded that Cuomo is the strongest advocate for the community’s values and the needs of New York City.”
“The primary election features several candidates, including some from the far-left Socialist spectrum who have expressed hostility toward the Jewish community and are performing competitively in recent polls,” he told JNS. “This election is critical, and we cannot afford to let those who oppose our values lead our city.”
The Bobov Chassidic community is a prominent Orthodox Jewish sect based in Brooklyn, N.Y., whose large voting bloc has long played a significant role in New York City politics.
Rosenfeld told JNS that community leaders were able to speak directly with Cuomo to address concerns about what they saw as unfair targeting by the state under his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Cuomo expressed deep regret for the distress caused, acknowledging past mistakes and committing to prevent such issues in the future,” he told JNS. “He pledged to maintain an open line of communication with community leaders and to appoint Orthodox Jewish advisors to his administration to ensure culturally sensitive decision-making.”
Given New York City’s ranked choice voting system, the Bobov community also endorsed Democratic state senator Zellnor Myrie as its second choice and Adrienne Adams, speaker of the New York City Council, as third.
Cuomo told JNS that the Bobov Chassidic community is one of the largest Orthodox groups in the city, representing more than 20,000 voters.
“I’m so grateful to have the support of Bobov, which is a powerful statement of my continued commitment to the Orthodox community,” he said. “Bobov cares deeply about keeping their community and families safe, making sure that there are police and appropriate resources in Borough Park and beyond.”
“Standing up to hate could not be more important in this election, and I’m proud to partner with Bobov to do just that in this election and at City Hall,” he added.