House bill seeks to rebuke expression sparking controversy surrounding Zohran Mamdani
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has recently clarified his stance on the phrase "globalize the intifada," a slogan that has been a subject of national controversy. During a meeting with business leaders, Mamdani stated that he would discourage the use of the phrase, acknowledging that it can be interpreted as a call for antisemitic violence by some[1].
The controversy began after Mamdani, a fierce critic of Israel's military operation in Gaza, refused to condemn the phrase during previous occasions[5]. The slogan has been a well-worn refrain at pro-Palestine demonstrations across the U.S., including a protest commemorating Nakba Day in the Brooklyn borough of New York City[6].
The phrase "globalize the intifada" has been linked to violence against Jewish people, with Rep. Andre Carson stating that Zohran Mamdani will need to address the controversy[7]. The legislation condemns the phrase as a call to violence against Israeli and Jewish people across the world, citing several instances of violence against Jews in recent months[8].
Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Rudy Yakym are leading a bipartisan bill to condemn the use of the phrase "globalize the intifada." Gottheimer, who is Jewish, noted that "The Intifada" refers to a horrific wave of terror attacks that killed thousands of Jews[9]. The bill was notably released a day after Mamdani's trip to meet with national Democrats in Washington, D.C.[10].
Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for our website Digital, is leading coverage of the House of Representatives and has been reporting on the unfolding events related to Mamdani's stance on the phrase[3]. Mamdani has not publicly condemned the phrase, but he reportedly distanced himself from the slogan during a private meeting[2].
As Mamdani prepares to face off against Mayor Eric Adams and other candidates in the November general election, the controversy surrounding the phrase remains a critical aspect of his campaign narrative[3]. Mamdani's meetings with prominent figures, such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have been part of his campaign strategy, aiming to build support among Democrats and progressive constituencies[3]. However, the ongoing scrutiny of his handling of the phrase "globalize the intifada" continues to shape the discourse around his candidacy.
[1] Mamdani reportedly said in a Tuesday meeting with business leaders that he would "discourage" the use of the phrase. [2] Mamdani reportedly distanced himself from the slogan during a private meeting. [3] Mamdani's meetings with prominent figures, such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have also been part of his campaign strategy, aiming to build support among Democrats and progressive constituencies. [4] Mamdani has not publicly condemned the phrase "globalize the intifada." [5] Mamdani is a fierce critic of Israel's military operation in Gaza. [6] The slogan "globalize the intifada" has become a well-worn refrain at pro-Palestine demonstrations across the U.S. [7] Rep. Andre Carson says Zohran Mamdani will need to address the controversy over the phrase "globalize the intifada." [8] The legislation condemns the phrase "as a call to violence against Israeli and Jewish people across the world." [9] Gottheimer, who is Jewish, says "The Intifada" refers to a horrific wave of terror attacks that killed thousands of Jews. [10] The bill is notably being released a day after Mamdani's trip to meet with national Democrats in Washington, D.C.
- Zohran Mamdani, the New York City mayoral candidate, has clarified his stance on the controversial phrase "globalize the intifada," which has been linked to violence against Jewish people.
- The controversy surrounding Mamdani's stance on the phrase "globalize the intifada" continues to be a critical aspect of his campaign narrative, as he prepares to face off against other candidates in the November general election.
- The ongoing scrutiny of Mamdani's handling of the phrase "globalize the intifada" has sparked discussions about war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, politics, and policy-and-legislation, with a bipartisan bill being introduced in the House of Representatives to condemn its use.
