Zohran Mamdani, a candidate in the Democratic primary for the New York City mayoral election, came under fire from Jewish organizations and political leaders this week for his comments seemingly supporting the slogan “globalize the intifada.” In an interview posted on The Bulwark on Tuesday, Mamdani defended the slogan as reflecting a call for equality and Palestinian human rights, citing its use by the U.S. Holocaust Museum in describing the 1944 Warsaw Uprising. Mamdani, a progressive New York State Assemblyman critical of the Israeli government, acknowledged the rise in antisemitism post-terror attack and war in Gaza, emphasizing the need to address anti-Jewish prejudice in the city and increase funding for anti-hate crime measures. However, his remarks were sharply criticized by the U.S. Holocaust Museum and various leaders for using a phrase associated with violence and antisemitism. The debate surrounding Mamdani’s comments has intensified as the mayoral race heats up, with frontrunner Andrew Cuomo and other candidates calling for condemnation of his statements in light of the recent surge in antisemitic acts.
In the mayor’s race, Mamdani, who has labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide,” has garnered support from the city’s progressives. Mamdani, speaking at a press event in Harlem, addressed the backlash from his interview with The Bulwark, expressing his distress at being branded an antisemite. “There is no place for antisemitism in this city or country, and I wholeheartedly believe that,” Mamdani emphasized, tears welling in his eyes as he recounted the hateful messages and threats he and his loved ones have received. The Democratic primary for New York City’s mayoral election is scheduled for June 24. Incumbent mayor Eric Adams, who faced scandals, is not participating in the party’s nomination process but is seeking to run on independent ballot lines, including “EndAntiSemitism” and “Safe&Affordable.”
