The Left has some whacky ideas. But sometimes they cross a line.
And now the new Democrat on the block got caught abetting terrorists.
Mamdani Faces Scrutiny Over Refusal to Condemn Anti-Israel Phrase
Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani (D-NYC) faced pointed questions on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday, June 29, 2025, for declining to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada,” despite host Kristen Welker pressing him three times on the issue.
The phrase, widely interpreted as a call to violence against Jewish people, has sparked significant concern, and Mamdani’s repeated refusal to denounce it has drawn criticism for sidestepping a direct response, raising questions about his approach to sensitive community issues.
“You were recently asked about the term ‘globalize the intifada,’ if it makes you uncomfortable. In that moment you did not condemn the phrase,” Welker said.
“Just so folks understand, it’s a phrase that many people hear as a call to violence against Jews. … Do you condemn that phrase ‘globalize the intifada’?” Mamdani responded that it was not “language” he would choose, emphasizing that “freedom and justice and safety are things that, to have meaning, have to be applied to all people, and that includes Israelis and Palestinians as well,” but stopped short of condemning the phrase.
Persistent Evasion Amid Repeated Questions
Welker pressed further, asking, “But do you actually condemn it? I think that’s the question and the outstanding issue that a number of people, both of the Jewish faith and beyond, have.”
Mamdani pivoted, criticizing President Donald Trump and arguing it was not a mayor’s role to “police” public speech.
“But very quickly, for the people who care about the language and who feel really concerned by that phrase, why not just condemn it?” Welker asked a third time.
Mamdani again deflected, stating, “My concern is to start to walk down the line of language and making clear what language I believe is permissible or impermissible takes me into a place similar to that of the president, who is looking to do those very kinds of things. Ultimately, it’s not language that I use. It’s language I understand there are concerns about.”
His refusal to directly address the phrase has fueled criticism, with posts on X highlighting unease among voters.
A user, @NYCVoterVoice, noted that Mamdani’s evasiveness could alienate constituents concerned about rising antisemitism, while @CityPolicyWatch suggested his focus on Trump deflected from local priorities.
The New York Post reported that Jewish community leaders have expressed disappointment, citing Mamdani’s stance as potentially divisive in a city with a significant Jewish population.
Broader Context of Mamdani’s Campaign
Mamdani, a self-described Democratic Socialist, has positioned himself as a progressive advocate, but his reluctance to condemn the phrase risks overshadowing his campaign, especially as New York City grapples with heightened tensions over Middle East conflicts.
A recent Anti-Defamation League report documented a 50% increase in antisemitic incidents in the U.S. in 2024, amplifying concerns about rhetoric perceived as inflammatory.
Mamdani’s campaign has emphasized social justice and economic equity, but his “Meet the Press” appearance has drawn attention to his handling of controversial issues, potentially complicating his appeal to a broad electorate.
