Fact Check: "Moshe Indig, a political leader of the Satmar sect, stated that he is now open to ranking Zohran Mamdani after an interview where Mamdani assured him he is not antisemitic."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that Moshe Indig, a political leader within the Satmar sect, expressed a willingness to consider ranking Zohran Mamdani in the upcoming mayoral election. This shift follows an interview in which Mamdani assured Indig that he is not antisemitic. In the interview published in Der Blatt, a Yiddish-language newspaper, Mamdani emphasized his connection to the Jewish community and his commitment to understanding their needs, particularly amid rising antisemitic violence. Indig described Mamdani as "very nice, very humble," and stated that he would not have a problem with him as mayor, although he acknowledged the challenges posed by Mamdani's past public statements regarding Israel and antisemitism.
Analysis
The claim that Moshe Indig is open to ranking Zohran Mamdani is substantiated by multiple sources. In the article from the Forward, it is reported that Indig's comments came after a direct engagement with Mamdani, where the latter sought to alleviate concerns about his stance on antisemitism and Israel. Indig's remarks suggest a significant shift in the political landscape, as historically, the Satmar community has been cautious about candidates who have criticized Israel or have been perceived as unsympathetic to Jewish concerns.
The reliability of the sources is strong, particularly the Forward, which is known for its thorough reporting on Jewish affairs and has a reputation for balanced journalism. The article provides context about the political dynamics surrounding the mayoral race, including the historical voting patterns of Jewish voters in New York City and the implications of Mamdani's candidacy for these communities.
However, it is important to note that Indig's openness may also be influenced by strategic considerations, as he is known to have connections with incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an Independent. This relationship could color Indig's willingness to engage with Mamdani, as it may serve to weaken the position of other candidates, particularly Andrew Cuomo, who has been courting Orthodox support.
Conclusion
The claim that Moshe Indig stated he is now open to ranking Zohran Mamdani after an interview where Mamdani assured him he is not antisemitic is True. The evidence from credible sources confirms that Indig's comments reflect a notable change in his stance towards Mamdani, indicating a potential shift in the political alliances within the Orthodox Jewish community in New York City.
