China-based billionaire funds controversial Jewish campaign in NYC

In recent months, a campaign named 'Jews for Zohran' has emerged in New York City, supporting mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who has faced accusations of antisemitism due to his anti-Israel stance. The campaign is directed by Alicia Singham Goodwin, the niece of billionaire Neville Roy Singham. Neville Roy Singham is described as a Marxist tech entrepreneur living in China who has connections to the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda efforts. This link has raised concerns among local Jewish leaders about the potential implications of his funding on the political landscape and Jewish identity in America. The Jews for Zohran organization, which aims to sway Jewish voters toward endorsing Mamdani, is seeking support from influential Jewish politicians, including Congressman Jerry Nadler. However, some political figures are alarmed at the prospect of Jewish support for a candidate who they believe normalizes antisemitic rhetoric and undermines the long-standing support for Israel among the Jewish community in the U.S. The unsettling dynamics between the Jewish community and the pro-Mamdani group have sparked intense debates among locals as to the motivations and affiliations of this campaign. Critics, such as former City Councilman Rory Lancman, have characterized the push for Jewish support for Mamdani as 'frightening,' given its potential to foster a culture of antisemitism. The Mamdani campaign has reportedly engaged in controversial tactics, such as exploiting victims of the October 7th Hamas attacks to gain votes. Such measures have only intensified the backlash against both Mamdani and the Jewish organization supporting him. As the campaign progresses, it brings to light the complex intersection of race, economics, and political ideology within the context of Jewish identity in America. The involvement of Neville Roy Singham, a figure tied to Chinese propaganda while funding a campaign aimed at changing the perception of a candidate viewed unfavorably by many in the Jewish community, raises serious questions about external influences on local politics. It illustrates a broader narrative where community identity, political beliefs, and external financial interests collide, creating a contentious environment among New Yorkers, particularly within the Jewish segment of the population. The ongoing developments surrounding the Jews for Zohran initiative will likely have lasting effects on Jewish community dynamics and political affiliations in the wake of the 2025 mayoral elections in New York City.