‘Globalize the Intifada’ Controversy Rocks NYC Mayoral Race Amid Middle East Tensions
Sarah Johnson
June 19, 2025
Brief
Zohran Mamdani’s defense of ‘Globalize the intifada’ sparks outrage in NYC mayoral race amid rising Middle East tensions and antisemitism concerns.
New York City’s mayoral race has ignited a firestorm as Middle East tensions spill onto the campaign trail, with candidate Zohran Mamdani’s remarks on the phrase "Globalize the intifada" drawing fierce backlash. The controversy erupted when Mamdani, in a podcast interview, declined to condemn the phrase, comparing its restriction to authoritarian tactics. He noted that "intifada", meaning ‘struggle’ in Arabic, was used by the Holocaust Museum to describe the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, sparking accusations of historical misuse.
Jewish advocacy groups and political rivals pounced. The United States Holocaust Museum rebuked Mamdani, stating, "Exploiting the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising to sanitize ‘globalize the intifada’ is outrageous." The phrase, often chanted by pro-Palestinian activists, is seen by critics like the American Jewish Committee as a call to violence against Israel. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, the race’s frontrunner, demanded all candidates denounce Mamdani’s stance, warning that such rhetoric fuels antisemitism and violence. Recent attacks, including the murder of a Jewish couple in Washington, D.C., and a terror incident in Denver, underscored his point.
Mamdani, aiming to become NYC’s first Muslim mayor, defended his position during a debate, affirming Israel’s right to exist but rejecting its designation as a Jewish state, advocating instead for equal rights. This drew further criticism from figures like Rep. Tom Suozzi, who called the phrase "deadly", and Rep. Ritchie Torres, who emphasized its impact on Jewish communities. Elisha Weisel, son of Holocaust survivors, labeled the phrase a veiled call to "kill Jews", questioning Mamdani’s fitness for office.
In an emotional press conference, Mamdani decried threats against his life and accused rivals of weaponizing antisemitism for political gain. As the Middle East conflict rages, with President Donald Trump weighing strikes on Iran, this debate exposes deep divides in NYC’s political landscape.
Topics
Editor's Comments
Mamdani’s attempt to reframe ‘intifada’ as a harmless ‘struggle’ is like calling a lion a housecat—good luck convincing the neighbors! Meanwhile, Cuomo’s playing the tough cop, but his sudden concern for antisemitism feels like a campaign bumper sticker. This race is less about policy and more about who can shout loudest over the Middle East’s echo.
Like this article? Share it with your friends!
If you find this article interesting, feel free to share it with your friends!
Thank you for your support! Sharing is the greatest encouragement for us.
