'Not the language I use': NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani sidesteps condemning 'globalise intifada' phrase; vows to protect Jewish community

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani sidestepped from addressing concerns about the phrase "globalize the intifada" while asserting his commitment to protecting Jewish residents, in a recent "Meet the Press" interview with NBC's Kristen Welker

Mamdani said, "That's not language that I use," and emphasised his leadership would be guided by universal human rights principles. “The language that I use and the language that I will continue to use to lead this city is that which speaks clearly to my intent, which is an intent grounded in a belief in universal human rights," he said as quoted by Politico.


Following his unexpected triumph in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani faced scrutiny for his stance on the controversial phrase prior to the election.

In response to questions, he didn't directly talk about it but revealed plans to substantially increase anti-hate crime programme funding by 800 percent. The November election will see him compete against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, with possible participation from Cuomo. "I've heard from many Jewish New Yorkers who have shared their concerns with me, especially in light of the horrific attacks that we saw in Washington, DC and in Boulder, Colorado, about this moment of antisemitism in our country and in our city," Mamdani told Welker. "And I've heard those fears, and I've had those conversations."

The term "intifada", historically associated with Palestinian resistance against Israel since 1987, has raised concerns among Jewish communities when coupled with "globalize", as it potentially implies worldwide violence against Jews.

Mamdani received support from Jewish Democrat Rep. Jerry Nadler through an endorsement on Wednesday. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer offered congratulations via social media, though without formal endorsement. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand urged Mamdani on Thursday to reject the controversial term.

Post-victory, Mamdani encountered religious prejudice, particularly from MAGA supporters, including Donald Trump Jr., who posted on X: "New York City has fallen."

Who is Zohran Mamdani?

Zohran Mamdani, 33, is a democratic socialist, chosen as the mayoral of New York City, having defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo in a ranked-choice primary. Born in Uganda to Indian-origin parents- filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani—he moved to New York at age seven and later earned a degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College. A Shia Muslim and former state assemblyman from Queens, Mamdani has built his political career around housing rights, transit affordability, and immigrant advocacy, gaining strong support from young, progressive voters.