Political Campaigns and Controversies in New York

According to reports from the New York Post, efforts to bolster Zoran Mamdani, a progressive candidate for New York City mayor, are being supported by a billionaire based in China, known for funding radical groups in the U.S.

Alicia Singham Goodwin, 33, who oversees a nonprofit advocating for racial and economic justice, has spearheaded the “Jews for Zoran” initiative. The campaign’s main goal appears to be shielding Mamdani from allegations of anti-Semitism while securing backing from Jewish voters, as indicated by the Post. Interestingly, some Jewish advocacy groups have criticized Mamdani, showcasing a video that featured “cosplay Jews” during Hanukkah.

Many are questioning whether the “Jews for Zoran” movement genuinely represents grassroots support for Mamdani or if it has deeper ties to other influences. Some social media users are drawing attention to Alicia Singham Goodwin’s connections, including her relation to Neville Roy Singham, the billionaire linked with numerous anti-Israel protests.

In a recent interview on WBAI Radio, Singham Goodwin explained that they utilized their own voter files and conducted outreach efforts focused on engaging Jewish voters. “We’ve really emphasized the issues surrounding anti-Semitism and how volunteers can participate,” she stated.

This movement appears to attract various political endorsements, with notable politicians like Secretary Brad Lander and Rep. Jerry Nadler among those publicly supporting Mamdani. However, there have been attempts to sway other significant Jewish leaders, including Senator Chuck Schumer and Rep. Dan Goldman, as per the Post’s report.

Former Queens city councilor Rory Rankman described the campaign as “terrifying,” citing concerns over a controversial slogan related to anti-globalization sentiments. He warned that the demonization of Israel could lead to broader negative perceptions of Jews who support the country. Rankman emphasized that most Jews align with support for Israel.

Singham Goodwin is related to Neville Roy Singham, a Marxist billionaire who relocated to Shanghai after selling his software company, Thoughtworks, in 2017. He has since been involved in funding initiatives that align with Beijing’s interests.

Goodwin’s mother, Shanti Singham, is Roy Singham’s sister and has a prominent position at East China Normal University, which has been criticized for its role in promoting Chinese influence through the Confucius Institute.

Alicia’s father, Daniel Goodwin, has a background in law and served as an executive at Thoughtworks. Reports indicate that House Republicans have sought to investigate his potential connections to groups protesting immigration policies in Los Angeles.

Overall, Singham Goodwin’s affiliations with other radical left organizations, such as Code Pink—which was established by her uncle’s wife—raise questions about the true nature of the support for Mamdani during this mayoral campaign.