Mamdani expected to clarify his position on ‘globalize the intifada'
'Many Jews believe it is the bare minimum for Zohran to go beyond distancing himself personally from language like 'globalize the intifada,'' said an aide to a Jewish elected official granted anonymity to speak freely about the sensitive matter. 'He must proactively be clear that language that incites violence against Jews simply isn't acceptable, from anyone, in the city he wants to lead.'
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have also referenced Mamdani's defense of 'globalize the intifada' — a rallying cry regarded as a call to violence against Jews for some and a call for Palestinian resistance to others — as they weigh whether to back his campaign for mayor.
Mamdani, a Queens state lawmaker who toppled former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in last month's primary, was asked about the phrase last month in a podcast by The Bulwark. He said then that he hears it as a call for Palestinian human rights.
'That's not language that I use,' the candidate told NBC News after winning the primary. 'The language that I use — and the language that I will continue to use to lead this city — is that which speaks clearly to my intent, which is an intent grounded in a belief in universal human rights.'
Mamdani has also said that the words mean different things to different people.
An aide to a New York Democrat said, 'Any walking back of the 'globalize the intifada' nonsense is desperately needed if Mamdani wants to quell the deep and legitimate concern that many in the Jewish community have of him in this moment.'
Mamdani's reaction to the phrase has been a central part of many of his ongoing discussions with elected officials and community and business leaders, and several have said publicly and behind closed doors that they hoped he would walk back his statements.
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