Latest news with #Gottheimer


New York Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
NJ Rep. Josh Gottheimer introduces resolution condemning ‘Globalize the Intifada' after Mamdani meeting
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) introduced a bipartisan resolution Thursday condemning the slogan 'Globalize the Intifada' as a call to violence against Israeli and Jewish people. The resolution, co-sponsored by Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.), was unveiled one day after Gottheimer and other Democratic lawmakers met with New York City mayoral candidate Zoharan Mamdani in Washington, DC. Mamdani has repeatedly refused to condemn the slogan, which is frequently used by anti-Israel activists in the Big Apple. Advertisement 'There should be no ambiguity — 'Globalize the Intifada' is hate speech, plain and simple,' Gottheimer said in a statement. ''The Intifada' refers to a horrific wave of terror attacks that killed thousands of Jews. Globalizing it is a direct call for violence against Jews, and it must be condemned.' 3 Gottheimer said the slogan was 'hate speech, plain and simple.' Getty Images Mamdani, an outspoken critic of Israel, has both awkwardly defended activists' use of 'globalize the intifada' and has flat-out refused to condemn it on several occasions. Advertisement The Queens assemblyman described the chant as an adage that reflects the 'desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights,' in an interview with the Bulwark last month that went viral. Mamdani later repeatedly refused to condemn the slogan, viewed by some as a call for violence against Jews, in an interview on NBC's 'Meet the Press.' 'That's not language that I use. 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,' he told host Kristen Welker on June 29. 'I don't believe that the role of the mayor is to police speech in that manner.' Advertisement Gottheimer appeared skeptical of Mamdani after his meeting with the far-left pol. 'I don't think higher taxes, anti-job creating socialism and an acceptance of antisemitic rhetoric is the right direction for America,' he told NOTUS. 'That said, I am always open to learning how I can reach more people with my commonsense, problem-solving approach.' 3 Mamdani has repeatedly refused to condemn the slogan, which is frequently used by anti-Israel activists in the Big Apple. Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images 3 The slogan has long been associated with violent uprisings against Israel. AFP via Getty Images Advertisement The Garden State lawmaker argued Thursday that it is 'insane and unacceptable' that 'Globalize the Intifada' chants are 'spreading rampant across our country,' declaring that 'everyone' should be against such 'hate speech.' The slogan has long been associated with violent uprisings against Israel, and since the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack on the Jewish state it has become a rallying cry for activists protesting Israel's war against Hamas. 'Words like these incite violence, fuel hate, and put Jewish families at risk,' the congressman, who is Jewish, added. In April, the Anti-Defamation League reported 2024 as the worst year ever recorded for antisemitic incidents in the US. ADL found a record-breaking 9,354 incidents of antisemitic assault, harassment and vandalism across the country last year, representing a 5% increase from 2023 and a 344% increase over the past five years. 'At a time when antisemitic violence is at record highs, we must stand united to condemn this antisemitic hate speech and take meaningful action to combat rising Jew hatred,' Gottheimer said.


Fox News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Bipartisan House resolution aims to condemn phrase that's created firestorm for Zohran Mamdani
FIRST ON FOX: A bipartisan House duo is teaming up for a resolution to urge elected leaders in the U.S. to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada." The legislation, being led by Reps. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., and Rudy Yakym, R-Ind., would condemn the phrase "as a call to violence against Israeli and Jewish people across the world." "Globalize the intifada," as a call, has been a subject of national controversy since the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack by Hamas in southern Israel, though it sparked new tension in recent weeks with New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's refusal to publicly condemn it. He reportedly recently distanced himself from the slogan during a private meeting, however. While the bipartisan legislation does not expressly mention Mamdani, the four-page bill is notably being released a day after his trip to meet with national Democrats in Washington, D.C. "Condemning it should be common sense, but some would rather play politics than tell the truth. The violence and hatred directed at Jewish and Israeli people is reprehensible," Yakym told Fox News Digital. "No one, especially in America, should have to live in fear for their safety, or even their life, because of their religion or ethnicity." Gottheimer, who is Jewish, said, "'The Intifada' refers to a horrific wave of terror attacks that killed thousands of Jews. Globalizing it is a direct call for violence against Jews, and it must be condemned." "I'm against hate speech targeting anyone — and everyone should be. It's insane and unacceptable to me that this antisemitic rhetoric is spreading rampant across our country," he said. A moderate Democrat who helps lead the Problem Solvers Caucus, Gottheimer was one of the Democrats present at Mamdani's breakfast event with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., on Wednesday. Their legislation cites several instances of violence against Jews in recent months, including the attack on pro-Israel demonstrators in Colorado, the fatal shooting of a pair of Israeli embassy staffers in D.C., and arson at the Pennsylvania governor's mansion while Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were holding a Passover seder. If passed in the House, the resolution would affirm that lawmakers believe "globalize the intifada" is a "call for violence against Israeli and Jewish people across the world" that "undermines the safety and security of Israeli and Jewish people in their communities." It would also declare that "those truly committed to Middle East peace should refrain from affirming, chanting, or displaying the slogan" and "the slogan must be strongly and unequivocally condemned by national, State, and local leaders." "Globalize the intifada" has become a well-worn refrain at pro-Palestine demonstrations across the U.S., in response to Israel's invasion of Gaza following the Hamas attack. Others have warned, however, that it's part of an increasingly alarming trend of antisemitic rhetoric that's broken out in the U.S. since the war between Israel and Hamas began. Mamdani, a self-proclaimed Democratic socialist who won the Democratic primary in the New York City mayoral race, has been slammed by his critics for refusing to condemn calls to "globalize the intifada." He is not being accused of using the phrase himself, however. The New York Times reported that Mamdani said in a Tuesday meeting with business leaders that he would "discourage" the use of the phrase. Like many on the progressive left, he's a fierce critic of Israel's military operation in Gaza.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
House Democrats' bill would combat LGBTQ elder abuse
Legislation introduced Friday, during Pride Month, by more than a dozen House Democrats would help combat abuse against elderly LGBTQ Americans. The Elder Pride Protection Act would establish a task force within the Department of Justice to study the 'increased incidence of elder abuse' against LGBTQ seniors and develop best practice solutions to be implemented by state and local law enforcement, according to a copy of the bill, shared first with The Hill. 'No one, especially our vulnerable seniors, should ever be mistreated because of who they are or who they love,' said Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), who introduced the bill Friday alongside Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), who recently launched a bid to replace retiring Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) in the Senate next year. In November, Gottheimer announced he would run for governor of New Jersey. Craig, who is gay and one of 13 openly LGBTQ members of Congress, said the measure would help shield seniors from abuse and discrimination 'as we continue the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.' 'LGBTQ+ seniors led the fight for so many of the rights LGBTQ+ Minnesotans enjoy today, and now it's our turn to fight for them,' she said in a statement. LGBTQ older adults are at heightened risk for adverse health and social outcomes compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers, according to the Center for Health Care Strategies, a New Jersey nonprofit. SAGE, an advocacy group for LGBTQ elders that has endorsed Gottheimer and Craig's bill, has said LGBTQ seniors are more vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Comprehensive data on elder abuse is lacking, though the Justice Department estimates that more than 10 percent of Americans age 65 and older experience some form of elder abuse each year. In limited data, LGBTQ seniors, who are at higher risk of isolation, report elevated rates of abuse, according to SAGE. 'These are challenging times, and now more than ever, LGBTQ+ elders deserve to age without fear of elder abuse,' said Aaron Tax, SAGE's managing director of government affairs and policy advocacy. The bill, which has 14 Democratic co-sponsors, stands little chance of passing the GOP-controlled House. Republicans and President Trump have denounced initiatives that prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), claiming they stoke divisions and promote 'woke ideology.' A National Center on Elder Abuse webpage previously dedicated to 'advancing justice for LGBTQ elders' appears to have been deleted this year in the administration's purge of government websites following Trump's executive orders targeting DEI and 'gender ideology.' Updated at 10:32 a.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


The Hill
06-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
House Democrat' bill would combat LGBTQ elder abuse
Legislation introduced Friday, during Pride Month, by more than a dozen House Democrats would help combat abuse against elderly LGBTQ Americans. The Elder Pride Protection Act would establish a task force within the Department of Justice to study the 'increased incidence of elder abuse' against LGBTQ seniors and develop best practice solutions to be implemented by state and local law enforcement, according to a copy of the bill, shared first with The Hill. 'No one, especially our vulnerable seniors, should ever be mistreated because of who they are or who they love,' said Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), who introduced the bill Friday alongside Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), who recently launched a bid to replace retiring Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) in the Senate next year. In November, Gottheimer announced he would run for governor of New Jersey. Craig, who is gay and one of 13 openly LGBTQ members of Congress, said the measure would help shield seniors from abuse and discrimination 'as we continue the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.' 'LGBTQ+ seniors led the fight for so many of the rights LGBTQ+ Minnesotans enjoy today, and now it's our turn to fight for them,' she said in a statement. LGBTQ older adults are at heightened risk for adverse health and social outcomes compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers, according to the Center for Health Care Strategies, a New Jersey nonprofit. SAGE, an advocacy group for LGBTQ elders that has endorsed Gottheimer and Craig's bill, has said LGBTQ seniors are more vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Comprehensive data on elder abuse is lacking, though the Justice Department estimates that more than 10 percent of Americans age 65 and older experience some form of elder abuse each year. In limited data, LGBTQ seniors, who are at higher risk of isolation, report elevated rates of abuse, according to SAGE. 'These are challenging times, and now more than ever, LGBTQ+ elders deserve to age without fear of elder abuse,' said Aaron Tax, SAGE's managing director of government affairs and policy advocacy. The bill, which has 14 Democratic co-sponsors, stands little chance of passing the GOP-controlled House. Republicans and President Trump have denounced initiatives that prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), claiming they stoke divisions and promote 'woke ideology.' A National Center on Elder Abuse webpage previously dedicated to 'advancing justice for LGBTQ elders' appears to have been deleted this year in the administration's purge of government websites following Trump's executive orders targeting DEI and 'gender ideology.'
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gottheimer: The five-term Congressmember running for NJ governor
The Brief Representative Josh Gottheimer is running for New Jersey's gubernatorial office. Gottheimer won the seat of Representative of New Jersey's Fifth Congressional District in 2016, and is currently serving his fifth term in office. His campaign is focused on lowering taxes for New Jersey residents, citing the affordability issue many residents are facing. NEW JERSEY - Representative Josh Gottheimer represents New Jersey's Fifth Congressional District, but he's currently eyeing a larger constituency: the entire state. The backstory Gottheimer was raised in North Caldwell, New Jersey, and attended West Essex High School. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997, with a degree in political science, the University of Oxford in 1999 and Harvard Law School in 2004. Before pursuing law, Gottheimer went on to become a presidential speechwriter for former U.S. President Bill Clinton, serving from 1998 to 2001. He also served as Senior Advisor to the Chairwoman of the United States Commission on Civil Rights for about a year, in 2001. He then pivoted to the private sector, serving as Ford'sDirector of Strategic Communications for about a year, then the Executive Vice President, Worldwideof Burson-Marsteller for four. In 2010, Gottheimer was appointed as the Senior Counselor to the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), where he stayed for two years. The backstory Gottheimer won the seat of Representative of New Jersey's Fifth Congressional District in 2016, and is currently serving his fifth term in office. He is also Vice Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group created with the goal of encouraging bipartisan cooperation among members of Congress. He launched his gubernatorial campaign on November 15, 2024. You can find an entire list of New Jersey gubernatorial candidates here. What we know Gottheimer's campaign is focused on lowering taxes for New Jersey residents, citing the affordability issue many residents are facing. This plan includes a nearly 15 percent cut to New Jersey property taxes, a "renter rebate" of $500 per year and an annual $1,000 credit on the state income tax returns of residents over the age of 70 who have lived in the state for at least 10 years. This plan can be read in its entirety below: Click to open this PDF in a new window. Gottheimer is also against New York's congestion pricing program – "Nine dollars a day is a huge hit for that nurse, cop, firefighter or teacher who's really struggling," he told New Jersey Now. By the numbers A survey conducted by Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill revealed that 11 percent of registered New Jersey Democratic Primary voters plan to support Gottheimer, leaving him tied for second place with Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. The Source This article includes reporting from Representative Josh Gottheimer's campaign website, a survey conducted by Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill and information from several New Jersey government websites.