Zohran Mamdani backs away from ‘globalize the intifada' slogan, reaffirms tax plan for NYC's wealthy
The shift came after a pointed question from Pfizer Inc. CEO Albert Bourla, who moderated the meeting and personally raised concerns about the slogan, widely used in anti-Israel demonstrations.
Bourla, who lost family members in the Holocaust and helped deliver Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to Israel in 2020 through an agreement with then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, moderated the closed-door session.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, had been a long-time Palestinian rights activist, and the phrase 'globalize the intifada' is used in reference with the violent Palestinian uprisings against Israel.
As per the news report, Mamdani 'appeared to relent', and committed to discouraging the slogan going forward, signaling his willingness to recalibrate some of his more contentious positions as he courts mainstream support.
The meeting was held with about 100 members of the Partnership for New York City, a powerful coalition that includes executives from top banks, law firms, real estate developers, and media companies. The event marked part of Mamdani's broader effort this week to engage with the business community, following his upset victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary.
Mamdani's mayoral campaign centered on pledges to freeze rents on affordable housing and finance free bus services and government-run grocery stores by imposing new taxes on corporations and high-income earners.
However, on other issues, the Queens assemblyman remained steadfast, reaffirming his goals and dismissing concerns over higher taxes, reportedly stating that wealthy New Yorkers would not leave the city because of them.
On policing, Mamdani told the group he would consider retaining current NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch but stopped short of any commitments. Tisch's father, James Tisch, chairman of Loews Corp., was in attendance.
Executives present included Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, Hearst CEO Steve Swartz, Related Companies CEO Jeff Blau, and Centerview Partners co-founder Blair Effron, Bloomberg reported.
Mamdani campaign spokesperson Jeffrey Lerner said the meeting was 'a constructive, honest discussion,' and added, 'Zohran continues to believe that working in partnership is the best way to deliver an affordable city for all New Yorkers.'
During the meeting, Mamdani also said he would examine the city's Department of Education for inefficiencies and explore leveraging the upcoming FIFA World Cup to bolster New York's infrastructure, according to Bloomberg.
Mamdani's meetings with business leaders come as he attempts to consolidate broader support in what could be a more competitive general election than usual for deep-blue New York City. He will face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, Andrew Cuomo (running as an independent), Republican Curtis Sliwa, and attorney Jim Walden, also running as an independent.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Trump Says Hamas' Surrender, Hostage Release Would End Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis
Trump previously acknowledged that 'there is real starvation in Gaza' and appeared to hold the Israeli government partially responsible. US President Donald Trump has called on Hamas to surrender, stating that doing so would be the fastest way to resolve the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His comments came on Thursday as US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss the ongoing war in the Middle East. Trump's statement echoes recent remarks by Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, who earlier this week urged Hamas to disarm. Mustafa added that control of the Gaza Strip should ultimately be transferred to the Palestinian Authority in an effort to restore order and legitimacy to the region. Reiterating his demand for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Trump wrote on Truth Social, 'The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!" He has consistently condemned Hamas in recent months, claiming that the group 'does not really want a deal" and asserting, 'we have to get rid of them." Trump's latest remarks indicate a notable shift from his earlier tone just last week, when he criticised Israel over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. At the time, he acknowledged that 'there is real starvation in Gaza" and appeared to hold the Israeli government partially responsible for the unfolding crisis. The specific details of Thursday's meeting between Netanyahu and Witkoff have not yet been disclosed. However, it is expected that discussions centred on the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the possibility of restarting ceasefire talks. Previous negotiations mediated in Qatar were derailed last week, prompting frustration in Washington. Witkoff expressed disappointment over Hamas' lack of engagement, stating the group showed 'a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza" and accused it of failing to act 'in good faith." It remains unclear whether Witkoff will visit Gaza during his current trip. His last visit to the region took place in January this year. Meanwhile, the US Department of State issued a stern warning on July 31, announcing possible sanctions against the Palestinian Authority and members of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation. The department stated that these actions were necessary due to their role in 'undermining the prospects for peace," adding, 'It is in our national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments." view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Trump Warns Medvedev to Watch His Words Amid Rising U.S
Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded to former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev's war warning by telling him to 'watch his words.' post, Trump mocked both Russia and India's 'dead economies' and said the U.S. does little business with either. He called out India for having high trade barriers and said he doesn't mind if India and Russia remain allies. Medvedev responded by mentioning Russia's Dead Hand nuclear system, a Cold War-era automatic retaliation mechanism, warning Trump about the risks of provoking Russia. He also mocked Trump's tough talk, saying it proves Russia is on the right path. Trump recently gave Russia a shortened ceasefire deadline, saying President Putin has just 10–12 days to reach a peace deal with Ukraine or face more sanctions, tariffs, and possibly secondary trade penalties. This follows earlier warnings where he had given 50 days. Medvedev criticized Trump's ultimatum, saying it's a path toward war with Russia, not just Ukraine. He warned Trump not to repeat the mistakes of President Biden. Trump also announced 25% tariffs on India, blaming their trade practices and ties to Russia's military and energy markets. He described BRICS — which includes India and Russia — as 'anti-U.S.' and claimed it's trying to hurt the value of the dollar. As geopolitical brinkmanship rises, Trump made it clear that future trade sanctions and deals will depend on countries siding with U.S. policies. He celebrated his tariff strategy, saying it brings billions into the American economy and reverses decades of bad trade policies. The clash with Medvedev and aggressive trade moves signal escalating U.S.–Russia tensions and a shift in Trump's foreign policy approach.
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Countdown ends — Major Tariff Increases Set to Take Effect
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum just made a new post on X, with positive remarks about her phone call with Trump and said they will use the 90 day extension to reach a deal. "We had a very good call with US President Donald Trump. We avoided the Trump tariffs increase announced for tomorrow and achieved 90 days to build a long-term agreement based on dialogue," she writes. We have more information on the developing story that the US has extended its import/export policies deal with Mexico for 90 days (which means some Mexican industrial goods will not be subject to higher tariffs starting 1 August). Trump says he hopes a trade war can be reached with Mexico within that time frame. In addition to announcing the extension, Trump said in his post on Truth Social that Mexico has agreed to "immediately terminate its Non-Tariff trade deals Barriers". "There will be continued cooperation on the Border as it relates to all aspects of Security, including Drugs, Drug Distribution, and Illegal Immigration into the United States," Trump writes. Trump also notes a "much improved global trade impact with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum." The two leaders spoke by telephone Thursday morning, he writes. "More and more, we are getting to know and understand each other," he says. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, President Trump has announced that he and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum have agreed to extend their current deal. The latest trade negotiations between the US and Mexico is a "25% Fentanyl Tariff, 25% Tariff on Cars, and 50% Tariff on Steel, Aluminium, and Copper." We'll have more on this story shortly. Carney and Trump have been negotiating for months. After a productive meeting in the Oval Office, the situation became less clear as Trump threatened to raise their tariffs. Both leaders said this month there would be no quick, China tariffs deal. Trump also posted on social media Thursday morning that Canada's plan to recognise a Palestinian state will "make it very hard" to reach a deal. For a more in-depth look at where things stand, you can check out an earlier post from Jessica Murphy in Toronto.
