Hakeem Jeffries Questions Zohran Mamdani’s Stance on Controversial Phrase
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has urged socialist New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to clarify his views on the phrase “globalize the intifadas.”
Mamdani, known for being critical of Israel, described “globalize the intifada” in a recent interview as a representation of “a hopeless desire for equal rights and a call for Palestinian human rights.”
Jeffries is now insisting that New York socialists explain why Mamdani won’t denounce chants linked to violent uprisings against Israel.
“Globalizing intifadas is not acceptable,” Jeffries stated on ABC’s “This Week.” With “intifada” meaning uprising, he emphasized the importance of clarity in Mamdani’s position moving forward.
Jeffries expressed further concern for the Jewish community he represents, suggesting that any candidate should actively confront the rise in anti-Semitism in New York City.
In a past interview, Mamdani was pressed about the phrase but hesitated to outright condemn it. Repeatedly, he avoided denouncing it again during an NBC “Meet the Press” segment, despite interpretations of the phrase as inciting harm against Jews.
“That’s not the language I use. The language I employ is rooted in universal human rights principles,” Mamdani responded, adding, “I don’t think the mayor’s role is to police speech.”
Despite the controversy, Mamdani could potentially become New York City’s first Muslim and millennial mayor, especially after making waves by defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the initial vote.
As the Democratic primary approaches next month, Jeffries maintained that defending Jewish New Yorkers against anti-Semitism is crucial regardless of the mayor’s political affiliation.
“All mayors—Democratic, Republican, or Independent—should ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in New York City,” he noted.
Jeffries also clarified that he has not committed to supporting Mamdani, mentioning an earlier conversation where Mamdani had discussed his campaign focused on the high cost of living in the city.
While the relationship between the two may be limited, Jeffries noted they don’t have overlapping districts and haven’t had deep discussions yet.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, another prominent Jewish official, has also refrained from endorsing Mamdani. Several Democrats, including representatives for Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen, have expressed differing views on Mamdani’s far-left positions.
