Summary:
On September 6, 2025, Bernie Sanders and Zohran Mamdani, both self-identified democratic socialists, united at the NYC Labor Day Parade and a Brooklyn town hall during Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic nominee for New York City mayor and a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, expressed deep admiration for Sanders, crediting him with inspiring his political journey. Their partnership aims to counter accusations against Mamdani of harboring antisemitic sentiments, given his pro-Palestinian advocacy background.
At the town hall, they discussed various progressive issues, including wealth inequality, campaign finance reform, and universal healthcare. Mamdani, addressing the firing of pro-Palestinian faculty at CUNY, affirmed that no one should lose their job for supporting Palestinian rights, garnering audience support.
While sharing a meal and campaigning together, both leaders highlighted their roots; Sanders emphasized how his Jewish heritage shapes his political beliefs. Their perspectives on Israel diverge, with Mamdani endorsing the BDS movement and critical rhetoric against Israeli policies, while Sanders supports a two-state solution and opposes the BDS movement.
Despite their differing views, they focused on shared issues, rallying for economic equality and calling for a “foreign policy based on humanity.” They used their platform to uplift progressive priorities and galvanize their supporters against even broader social issues.
