Since Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the June 24 Democratic Primary for New York City mayor, talk of leaving the city has grown louder in Jewish circles. An aliyah assistance group reports a surge in applications from New York State. Realtors in Queens, Nassau, and Florida say they’re fielding more calls from clients exploring a move – whether to Israel, South Florida, or simply out of the five boroughs. For some, the decision is driven by opportunity. For others, it’s about safety, politics, and the future of Jewish life in the city.
Nefesh B’Nefesh was founded in 2002 by Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and businessman Tony Gelbart to help North Americans move to Israel. Last month in New York State, the organization received 281 aliyah applications – more than double the 133 applications in July 2024. July 2023 had just 80 applications, according to Yael Katsman, Vice President of Communication and Public Relations at Nefesh B’Nefesh. In May 2025, there were 203 applications; in June, 221 New York State residents opened applications with Nefesh B’Nefesh.
The organization has “been seeing a general increase in overall aliyah interest, and specifically an 80% increase in aliyah applications since October 7, 2023,” said Katsman.
Real estate agents in Queens, Long Island, and Florida all report a noticeable rise in conversations about leaving New York City.
David Dan, a realtor for the past 25 years, based in Forest Hills, said, “It’s a discussion that’s going around in almost every conversation I have – with brokers, friends, people in the industry.” Asked how much of an increase he’s seen, Dan replied, “I can’t really assign a number to it, but it’s definitely something people are talking about.”
Shlomo Meirov, owner of Olam Realty in Kew Gardens Hills and a real estate agent since 2001, said, “Many people are currently in a ‘wait and see’ phase, exploring their options. With high interest rates and the uncertainty brought on by COVID, some weren’t sure if they would be making aliyah. Baruch Hashem, recent events – especially involving Iran – have led to even more families seriously considering it.”
David Zivotofsky, a realtor since 1993 with a lot of business in West Hempstead, sees “chitter-chatter about it live, in-person, and online,” but not yet a widespread “I gotta get out” sentiment.
Over 125,000 residents left New York City for Florida in recent years due to pandemic-related factors such as remote work opportunities, affordability, and quality-of-life concerns, according to a May 1 New York Post article by Chris Nesi.
More than 30,000 New Yorkers moved specifically to Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties between 2018 and 2022, bringing with them a combined $9.2 billion in income, according to Bloomberg News.
Barbara Yasgur, a realtor living in Century Village, Boca Raton, said that since Mamdani won the Democratic Primary on June 24, “There has been a little more interest. Now, I’m getting a few more calls.” She added that people are more likely to move starting in September, when the weather cools in Florida, “and maybe even once the elections are actually definite – maybe November.”
A South Florida realtor with 25 years of experience, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “People are interested now – at least looking into it and getting information from me. Some people want to see how the election will turn out.”
South Florida offers kosher restaurants, shops, less congestion and crime, and a more relaxed lifestyle. “We have a lot of infrastructure for the Jewish community,” she said.
Mark Plaine, a divorce lawyer who lived in Forest Hills for 25 years, moved to Aventura, Florida, with his wife, Yelena, on July 22. Plaine said of New York City: “The once-great city has been ruined by a bunch of left-wing lunatics who were placed in office. From de Blasio to Bragg to James to Lander and AOC, the beat goes on.”
Although the move had been long planned, Plaine said, “If I ever had even a scintilla of doubt about the move, it evaporated quickly once I learned that Mamdani may be the next mayor. This guy is an inexperienced, incompetent idiot. I can’t get out of town fast enough before this Jew-hating joker and Jihadist comes to power.”
Carmella Schwartz is moving from Forest Hills to Century Village, Boca Raton, on August 20. She lived in Kew Gardens Hills since she was 7 before moving in her 20s to Forest Hills. “I guess the politics and crime truly pushed me to make the move.”
“The political climate in New York has become distressing and scary. Innocent citizens can be attacked with no – or with laughable – consequences to the criminal perpetrator. Not feeling safe to go on a train has put a huge damper on my great enjoyment of being in the city, attending plays, museums, and just soaking up the fun atmosphere. Other modes of transportation are not nearly as convenient.”
She added that “a number” of her friends have already moved, and “some will likely move in the next year or two—especially if Mamdani wins.”
The Young Israel of Hollywood-Ft. Lauderdale is one of the fastest-growing Orthodox synagogues in the United States, according to its website.
Rabbi Yosef Weinstock, Senior Rabbi of the shul, has “definitely heard concerns within the Jewish community. Among those comments is a belief among some that a Mamdani victory would lead to Jews leaving the city for other, more hospitable strongholds of Jewish life.”
Moving to his shul’s community from the New York City Metro Area “accelerated” during COVID, and “that interest has not abated.”
Florida surpassed New York in population between July 1, 2013, and July 1, 2014, according to the US Census Bureau. Florida’s population reached approximately 19.9 million during this period, overtaking New York, which had around 19.7 million. This change made Florida the third most populous state in the United States, behind California and Texas.
While it’s too early to tell whether Mamdani’s primary win will trigger a sustained exodus, the trend lines are already visible. Whether driven by safety concerns, political dissatisfaction, or a desire for a more supportive Jewish environment, many New York Jews are no longer content to “wait and see.” They are planning their next move.
By David Schneier