House resolution with bipartisan support condemns the phrase ‘globalize the intifada’

Lawmakers Push to Condemn “Globalization of Intifadas”

A bipartisan pair of lawmakers is collaborating on a resolution that implores U.S. leaders to denounce the term “globalization of intifadas.” The initiative, led by Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), frames the phrase as a call to violence against Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

The phrase gained notoriety following Hamas’s attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking intense debate across the nation, especially amidst the political fallout surrounding New York City mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani. While he has distanced himself from the slogan in private discussions, the four-page resolution was unveiled the day after his meeting with National Democrats in Washington, D.C.

Rep. Rudy Yakim expressed, “It should be evident, but some opted for political games over honesty. We need to stand against the violence and hatred aimed at Jews and Israelis.” He emphasized that no one in America should feel unsafe due to their religion or ethnicity.

Gottheimer, who identifies as Jewish, noted that “intifada” is associated with a series of horrific terrorist acts that have taken thousands of Jewish lives. He stressed that globalizing this concept effectively promotes violence against Jewish people and merits condemnation.

He continued, “Hate speech targeting anyone is unacceptable—not just to me but for everybody. It’s astonishing to witness this rise in anti-Semitic rhetoric in our country.” Gottheimer, a moderate Democrat, attended Mamdani’s breakfast event with fellow lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shortly before the bill’s announcement.

The resolution highlights multiple recent instances of violence against Jews, citing assaults on pro-Israel protesters in Colorado, deadly shootings at the Israeli embassy in D.C., and arson incidents targeting the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion. If passed, the resolution contends that “globalization of intifadas” is indeed a call to violence against Israel and its Jewish population.

Furthermore, it asserts that those genuinely committed to peace in the Middle East should avoid endorsing or displaying this slogan, urging national, state, and local leaders to explicitly condemn such rhetoric.

The phrase “Globalize the Intifada” has become a common chant in pro-Palestinian rallies across the U.S. in reaction to Israel’s military actions in Gaza following the Hamas assault. However, detractors worry that its use reflects a disturbing trend in anti-Semitic sentiments in the country since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war.

Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist who won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, faces criticism for not clearly denouncing the term “globalization of intifadas.” Yet, it’s important to note that he hasn’t been accused of using it. During a recent meeting with business leaders, he mentioned he would seek to discourage the term’s usage.