Gillibrand Presses Mamdani to Denounce 'Globalize Intifada' in Heated NYC Mayoral Race Debate

In a fiery radio exchange on WNYC, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., pressed New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to denounce the phrase "globalize the intifada," arguing it’s perceived as a call to violence against Jews. The debate, sparked by a caller’s accusation that Mamdani glorifies Hamas, highlighted tensions over inflammatory rhetoric in politics. Gillibrand emphasized that such phrases sow fear, stating, "Words like ‘intifada’ are heard as daggers to the throat by many Jewish New Yorkers."

Host Brian Lehrer challenged Gillibrand’s claims, noting no evidence links Mamdani to supporting Hamas or violent jihad. Mamdani, he said, views "intifada" as a broader term for resistance, not violence. Gillibrand countered that intent matters less than perception, urging Mamdani to reassure communities by protecting all New Yorkers, including Jewish residents and houses of worship.

The senator recalled a prior conversation where Mamdani agreed to address these concerns, though she insisted on a face-to-face meeting to clarify his stance. Gillibrand’s final plea was for leadership that unites, not divides, warning that careless words can alienate groups like the LGBTQ, Black, and Hispanic communities. "Leaders must protect everyone, period," she declared, leaving no room for ambiguity in the charged political climate.