Socialist Muslim Candidate, Zohran Mamdani, Faces Fire for Intifada Stance

Written by Sarah Mitchell.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has publicly called on Zohran Mamdani, a socialist candidate for New York City mayor, to address his refusal to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada,” a term widely interpreted as endorsing violence against Jewish communities. This controversy, unfolding in June 2025, has intensified scrutiny on Mamdani’s campaign and raised broader questions about political rhetoric, antisemitism, and leadership in a city grappling with rising hate crimes. Jeffries’ demand reflects growing concerns among Democratic leaders about the implications of inflammatory language in a polarized political climate.

Mamdani’s Controversial Position

Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and New York State Assembly member running for mayor, has drawn criticism for his stance on the phrase “globalize the intifada.” During a June 2025 interview on The Bulwark podcast, Mamdani declined to denounce the phrase, instead framing it as an expression of a “desperate desire for equality and equal rights” for Palestinians. This response has sparked backlash, particularly among New York’s Jewish community, who view the term—historically tied to violent uprisings against Israel—as a call to violence. Mamdani’s refusal to clarify his position has fueled accusations that he is sidestepping accountability.

The term “intifada,” meaning “uprising” in Arabic, refers to periods of Palestinian resistance, notably the First and Second Intifadas, which involved significant violence, including suicide bombings and attacks on civilians. In recent years, the phrase “globalize the intifada” has been used in protests and social media, often interpreted as advocating for global action against Israel and, by extension, Jewish communities. Mamdani’s defense of the phrase, coupled with his focus on universal human rights, has done little to assuage concerns, particularly in light of rising antisemitic incidents in New York City, which reported over 300 hate crimes against Jews in 2024.

Jeffries’ Public Rebuke

On ABC’s “This Week” on June 29, 2025, Hakeem Jeffries, a prominent Democratic leader from Brooklyn, directly addressed Mamdani’s stance. He stated that “globalizing the intifada” is “not an acceptable phrasing” and urged Mamdani to clarify his position as he seeks to lead New York City. Jeffries emphasized the need for the mayoral candidate to reassure Jewish New Yorkers, who constitute approximately 13% of the city’s population, that he is committed to combating antisemitism. His remarks reflect the delicate balance Democratic leaders must navigate: supporting progressive ideals while addressing the concerns of diverse constituencies.

Jeffries’ call for clarity comes amid heightened sensitivity to antisemitism following violent incidents in Washington, D.C., and Boulder, Colorado, in early 2025. These events have amplified fears among Jewish communities nationwide, making Mamdani’s reluctance to condemn the phrase a significant liability. Jeffries’ public statement underscores the expectation that elected officials must unequivocally reject language that could be perceived as inciting violence, a principle that resonates with professionals tasked with maintaining trust in high-stakes roles.

The pressure from Jeffries also highlights internal Democratic Party tensions. While Mamdani aligns with the progressive wing, represented by figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jeffries represents a more moderate faction. This divide could influence the mayoral race, as voters weigh ideological purity against pragmatic governance in a city facing complex challenges, from public safety to economic recovery.

Mamdani’s Response and Campaign Strategy

During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on June 29, 2025, Mamdani was given multiple opportunities to distance himself from the controversy but consistently avoided a direct condemnation of the phrase. When pressed by host Kristen Welker, Mamdani emphasized his commitment to “universal human rights” and proposed an 800% increase in funding for anti-hate crime programs as evidence of his dedication to combating antisemitism. He argued that his role as mayor would focus on actions, not policing speech, drawing a comparison to controversial policies associated with former President Donald Trump.

Mamdani’s response reflects a strategic choice to prioritize policy proposals over engaging in debates about language. He acknowledged the concerns of Jewish New Yorkers, citing conversations with community members, but maintained that his campaign’s focus is on tangible solutions, such as enhanced funding for hate crime prevention. However, his refusal to explicitly condemn the phrase has left critics unconvinced, with some arguing that his stance risks alienating a significant portion of the electorate. This approach mirrors the challenges faced by leaders who must balance ideological convictions with the need to build broad coalitions.

Mamdani’s campaign has gained traction among progressive voters, particularly for his advocacy on housing affordability and workers’ rights. His proposal to expand anti-hate crime initiatives aligns with New York City’s efforts to address a 20% increase in hate crimes from 2023 to 2024, according to NYPD data. Yet, his reluctance to directly address the “intifada” controversy could undermine his appeal in a city where Jewish voters and organizations wield significant influence.

Broader Implications for New York City’s Mayoral Race

The controversy surrounding Mamdani’s comments has broader implications for the 2025 New York City mayoral race, which is shaping up to be a competitive contest. With incumbent Mayor Eric Adams facing criticism over public safety and homelessness, the Democratic primary is an opportunity for candidates like Mamdani to present a progressive vision. However, the “intifada” debate has cast a shadow over Mamdani’s campaign, raising questions about his ability to unify a diverse city of 8.3 million residents.

New York City’s Jewish community, one of the largest in the world, has been vocal about the need for leadership that unequivocally opposes antisemitism. Organizations like the Anti-Defamation League have reported a surge in antisemitic incidents nationwide, with New York City accounting for nearly 40% of such cases in 2024. Mamdani’s stance risks alienating not only Jewish voters but also moderates who prioritize clear denouncements of potentially violent rhetoric. This dynamic could benefit other candidates, such as Brad Lander or Jumaane Williams, who have positioned themselves as progressive yet pragmatic alternatives.

The Democratic Party’s internal divisions are also at play. Jeffries’ public call for clarification signals a broader effort to steer the party toward moderation, particularly on issues of identity and international policy. The mayoral race will test whether candidates can bridge the gap between progressive ideals and the practical demands of governing a city with complex social and economic challenges. Mamdani’s ability to address these concerns while maintaining his base will be critical to his electoral success.

Our Take

Zohran Mamdani’s refusal to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada” has placed him at the center of a contentious debate, testing the boundaries of political discourse in New York City’s mayoral race. Hakeem Jeffries’ call for clarity reflects a necessary demand for accountability, particularly in a city grappling with rising antisemitism. While Mamdani’s focus on policy solutions and universal human rights is commendable, his reluctance to directly address the controversy risks undermining his credibility among key voter groups. As the campaign progresses, Mamdani must navigate this challenge with transparency to demonstrate his readiness to lead a diverse and complex city.