New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani (D) has revised his position on the controversial phrase “globalize the intifada,” stating he would now “discourage” its use. The 33-year-old Democratic Socialist made the comments during an appearance on MSNBC’s PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton, citing a recent conversation with a rabbi who associated the slogan with historical terrorist attacks in Israel. Mamdani acknowledged that the phrase, while used by some as a call for Palestinian solidarity, is perceived by others—particularly in the Jewish community—as threatening or violent.
Mamdani emphasized the need for sensitivity and inclusivity in political discourse, especially in a city as diverse as New York. He described a “gap in intent” between activists who use the phrase to protest Israeli policies and those who receive it as a call for violence. The candidate stated that, as a prospective mayor, his duty would be to bridge divides and represent all New Yorkers, regardless of ethnic or religious background.
This marks a notable shift from Mamdani’s previous statements in June, when he told NBC’s Meet the Press that the phrase was “not language that I use” but argued that it wasn’t his role to “police” political speech. At the time, his comments were seen as an attempt to maintain support from progressive and pro-Palestinian constituencies. However, the American Jewish Committee and other advocacy groups have defined “globalize the intifada” as a call for aggressive, and sometimes violent, resistance against Israel.
Mamdani’s evolving position was first reported in July by The New York Times after a private meeting with Jewish community leaders. Since then, he has sought to strike a balance between progressive activism and broader electoral appeal, particularly in a city with politically active and often divided Jewish and Arab communities. His recalibration reflects growing pressure as the mayoral race intensifies.
Despite the controversy, Mamdani has maintained high-profile endorsements and continued his campaign events. Over the weekend, he appeared alongside Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) at a Brooklyn town hall, where Sanders criticized Elon Musk and called for higher taxes on billionaires. Mamdani also defended his proposal for city-run grocery stores during a CNN interview, arguing the plan would address food insecurity and corporate monopolies.
As the election approaches, Mamdani’s nuanced position on language and activism underscores the challenges of navigating identity politics in a diverse metropolis. His effort to clarify his stance reflects both political pragmatism and the complexities of governing in an ideologically divided environment.
