Zohran Mamdani: Mayors Shouldn’t ‘Police Speech’ on ‘Globalize the Intifada’ Slogan Condemnation

Zohran Mamdani, the likely Democratic candidate in the New York City mayoral race, once again avoided a direct condemnation of the phrase “globalize the intifada.” During a recent appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” he stated that mayors should not “police speech.” When pressed about the controversial phrase, which many Jewish organizations view as offensive and antisemitic, Mamdani emphasized that it is not language he uses. He expressed his commitment to human rights, stating that freedom and justice should apply to all, including Israelis and Palestinians.

Mamdani acknowledged having conversations with Jewish New Yorkers regarding their concerns over the phrase but declined to categorically condemn it. Instead, he highlighted his commitment to increasing funding for anti-hate crime initiatives by 800% during his campaign, aligning his response with broader platform issues rather than reactionary speech policing. He argued that establishing rules about permissible language might lead him to a similar place as the current president. In previous remarks, Mamdani referred to the phrase as reflecting a “desperate desire for equality” while also recognizing antisemitism as a critical issue facing the city.

His reluctance to condemn the phrase has drawn significant backlash, with Jonathan Greenblatt of the Anti-Defamation League labeling it an incitement to violence. In statements following Mamdani’s remarks, Rep. Dan Goldman criticized his failure to address the concerns of Jewish New Yorkers and emphasized that the next mayor must actively combat anti-Jewish hate. Following their meeting, Goldman expressed hope for productive dialogue as the campaign progresses. Additionally, Mamdani responded to President Trump’s critiques, denying being a communist and accusing Trump of using personal attacks to distract from the issues he advocates for, particularly those impacting working-class people.