New Yorkers are expressing doubt over Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s recent attempt to distance himself from the phrase “globalize the intifadas.” This comes after he spent months not condemning various terms that many view as inciting violence against Jews.
Mamdani, who identifies as a Muslim socialist critical of Israel, reportedly told city business leaders that he would refrain from using the controversial phrase and would encourage others to do the same. About 150 business executives gathered at Rockefeller Center, where the term is often cited to show solidarity with Palestinians but is also interpreted by some as a call to anti-Semitic violence.
This shift in stance follows Mamdani’s refusal to denounce the idea of Intifada during his campaign for the Democratic nomination. While speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press” in June, he mentioned his hesitation to dictate acceptable language, stating, “My concern is to start walking along the lines of language and clarify what languages I think are acceptable.”
After securing the Democratic nomination and aiming for the general election, Mamdani seems to finally be stepping back from his previous stance on Intifada. Joe Borelli, a former Republican New York City Council member, commented on the timing, arguing that a sudden change in heart feels insincere when it occurs right after a primary victory. Another former council member, Rory Rankman, emphasized that the next mayor should outright reject any calls for Intifada without ambiguity, stating, “It’s difficult to imagine a change of heart as real…”
Meanwhile, leaders in the Jewish community are raising alarms about a potential “massive exodus” from New York City if Mamdani wins in November. They’ve pressed for a stronger condemnation of such rhetoric. In a June interview, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand argued that for many Jewish Americans, terms like Intifada are associated with the allowance of violence against Jews.
As the mayoral race unfolds, Mamdani faces multiple opponents, including current Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for reelection as an independent, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, also competing as an independent after losing the Democratic primary. Activist Curtis Swa is running as a Republican.
House Minority Leader Councilman Hakeem Jeffries has urged candidates to clarify their positions, asserting that “globalizing an intifada is not an acceptable phrase.” He believes it is crucial for candidates to reassure the Jewish community about their commitment to addressing rising anti-Semitism in New York City.
