Elections have consequences: Half of Israelis may boycott New York over antisemitism fears

A drop in Israeli tourism may result in fewer Israeli-founded businesses seeking the city as their home in the future, costing the city billions of dollars in potential economic revenue.

(Reuters/Jeenah Moon and iStock)

A recent survey taken in the days following Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral win suggests that a large majority of Israelis perceive the mayor-elect as antisemitic. What’s more, his election could influence travel plans to New York City despite the economic and cultural ties to the city.

The poll, conducted on November 6, 2025, by direct polls chaired by Zuriel Sharon for i24NEWS, collected responses from 501 adults aged 18 and over, representing a statistically valid sample of the general Israeli population.

According to the survey results, 83% of respondents said they believe Mamdani is antisemitic, while only 8% disagreed, and 9% said they did not know. It has a margin of error of ±4.4% at a 95% confidence level.

When asked whether Mamdani’s election would affect their decision to visit New York City, 46% said they would avoid traveling to the city, 34% said they would continue visiting as usual, and 20% were unsure.