Controversy Surrounds NYC Mayoral Candidate’s Comments
Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York criticized Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Monday for his unwillingness to denounce a controversial slogan. During a segment on CNN, Torres expressed concern over Mamdani’s failure to condemn calls for an “intifada,” which many perceive as a threatening message toward the Jewish community.
“It’s deeply offensive. Every elected official should, without exception, condemn it,” Torres asserted while speaking to CNN’s John Berman.
Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist and practical Muslim, made headlines for his recent primary victory in the New York City mayoral race, defeating well-known figures such as former governor Andrew Cuomo. However, his campaign has faced backlash regarding his economic policies and rhetoric considered anti-Israel.
On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” host Kristen Welker pressed Mamdani to renounce the phrase “globalize the intifada.” Yet, the candidate sidestepped a clear condemnation throughout the interview. When asked point-blank if he would denounce it, Mamdani responded, “That’s not the language I use. The language I use, and what I continue to use to lead the city, aligns with my beliefs in universal human rights.”
When asked again about his stance, Mamdani stated that being a mayor isn’t about policing speech. He expressed a desire perhaps to occupy a role more aligned with compassion than conditional condemnation.
Torres argued that future mayors should take a stronger stand against such harmful rhetoric, emphasizing that no one should advocate for jail time over speech. “Every elected official has an obligation to condemn hatred, whether it’s anti-Semitism or Islamophobia,” he said.
Torres elaborated on the word “intifada,” pointing out its association with violence and trauma. He noted, “The second intifada resulted in numerous terrorist attacks that caused great pain to the Jewish community.” Various Democratic figures have echoed calls for Mamdani to address this issue, including Rev. Al Sharpton and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who both urged him to take a firmer stance.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined in, stating that “globalizing the intifadas” is simply unacceptable. As the situation evolves, Mamdani’s office has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding this growing controversy.
