In a stunning display of resilience and civic duty, 92-year-old Holocaust survivor Galina Guterman voted for the first time in her life, casting her ballot for Andrew Cuomo to thwart front-runner Zohran Mamdani's campaign.
Guterman, who fled Siberia as a child after the Nazis invaded Russia, made her decision clear: "I've never voted before. I'm voting because I believe that Mamdani is an antisemite with dangerous fiscal policies." Her words were laced with concern and a sense of urgency, as she expressed distrust in Mamdani's views on social justice.
As a child refugee, Guterman witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of Nazi aggression, which left her family to flee Russia. Later, during the early 1990s, they fled again, this time from the former Soviet Union, due to heavy-handed socialist policies that she and her family deemed unbearable.
Guterman's concerns about Mamdani are centered around his stance on antisemitism and fiscal policy. She was particularly troubled by his endorsement of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement against Israel, which she described as "not kind-hearted." Her family had been victims of arson in Moscow, a case that Guterman attributes to antisemitic motives.
In contrast, Guterman expressed admiration for Cuomo's leadership style, describing him as "trustworthy, real, and honest." She emphasized the importance of choosing leaders who genuinely care about all members of society, not just a select few. For Guterman, Cuomo represents a beacon of hope in a city grappling with complex social issues.
Guterman's decision serves as a poignant reminder that even at 92, one person can make a difference by exercising their right to vote and shaping the future of New York City.
Guterman, who fled Siberia as a child after the Nazis invaded Russia, made her decision clear: "I've never voted before. I'm voting because I believe that Mamdani is an antisemite with dangerous fiscal policies." Her words were laced with concern and a sense of urgency, as she expressed distrust in Mamdani's views on social justice.
As a child refugee, Guterman witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of Nazi aggression, which left her family to flee Russia. Later, during the early 1990s, they fled again, this time from the former Soviet Union, due to heavy-handed socialist policies that she and her family deemed unbearable.
Guterman's concerns about Mamdani are centered around his stance on antisemitism and fiscal policy. She was particularly troubled by his endorsement of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement against Israel, which she described as "not kind-hearted." Her family had been victims of arson in Moscow, a case that Guterman attributes to antisemitic motives.
In contrast, Guterman expressed admiration for Cuomo's leadership style, describing him as "trustworthy, real, and honest." She emphasized the importance of choosing leaders who genuinely care about all members of society, not just a select few. For Guterman, Cuomo represents a beacon of hope in a city grappling with complex social issues.
Guterman's decision serves as a poignant reminder that even at 92, one person can make a difference by exercising their right to vote and shaping the future of New York City.