New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani declined to condemn the controversial slogan “globalize the intifada” during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday. The phrase, widely regarded as a call for violence against Jews, has sparked outrage among Jewish communities and across the political spectrum.
NBC host Kristen Welker pressed Mamdani directly, noting the slogan’s use by groups and activists calling for violent resistance against Israel. “Do you defend that phrase?” she asked. Mamdani responded, “That is not language I use,” avoiding a direct answer. He claimed his campaign is grounded in “human rights” and said he seeks “freedom, justice and safety” for both Israelis and Palestinians.
When asked again whether he condemned the phrase, Mamdani pivoted, stating he had spoken with Jewish New Yorkers who expressed concerns about rising antisemitism. He highlighted his campaign’s proposal to boost anti-hate programming funding by 800% but still did not issue a clear condemnation.
Mamdani equated condemnation of such rhetoric with speech policing, referencing former President Donald Trump. “I don’t believe that the role of the mayor is to police speech,” he said, suggesting condemnation could lead to “putting people in jail for writing an op-ed.”
Welker repeated the question, asking why Mamdani would not simply condemn a slogan that many view as threatening. Mamdani deflected again, stating he does not use the phrase and implying that rejecting it could lead to a slippery slope of censorship.
The term “intifada” refers to violent uprisings against Israel, including attacks that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. The slogan “globalize the intifada” has been prominently featured at anti-Israel rallies and demonstrations, often interpreted as a call to bring that violence to cities worldwide, including in the U.S.
Mamdani, a sitting New York State Assemblyman and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has previously faced criticism for anti-Israel positions. His refusal to disavow the slogan has drawn sharp criticism from Jewish groups and political leaders, who argue that legitimizing such rhetoric undermines public safety and inflames ethnic tensions.
