Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor, has come under scrutiny for his support for the slogan ‘globalise the intifada’ seen in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. This has been noted by Canary Mission, a group focused on antisemitism, who question his perspective on the Israel-Palestine conflict. ‘Intifada’, an Arabic term translating to ‘uprising’, holds significant meaning for Jewish communities due to the historical instances of violence linked to the term during the Palestinian insurgencies against Israel in 1987-1993 and 2000-2005, which led to the loss of over 1,000 Israeli lives. This context makes Mamdani’s support a contentious issue in the ongoing mayoral race.
The slogan ‘globalise the intifada’, often heard during pro-Palestine rallies, is predominantly criticized as an incitement to violence against the Jewish community. Canary Mission, a monitor of perceived anti-Israel activities in academic and political settings, has gathered evidence associating Mamdani with numerous pro-Palestinian demonstrations where the controversial phrase was echoed. This has led to further inquiries regarding his beliefs, particularly given his aspiration to govern a city home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel.
A 33-year-old Queens assemblyman and Democratic Socialist, Mamdani justified ‘globalise the intifada’ during a podcast, defining it as an expression of the intense yearning for equality and rights among Palestinians. He made reference to the US Holocaust Museum’s use of ‘intifada’ in Arabic translations when discussing the 1944 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising – a comparison labelled as ‘outrageous’ by the museum.
Several Jewish leaders, including Jonathan Greenblatt of the Anti-Defamation League, criticized the phrase as a ‘clear call to violence’. It is claimed that Mamdani, who was born in Uganda to Muslim-Indian parents, was exposed to anti-Israel activism from an early age. In his college years, he established a chapter of the Students for Justice in Palestine and has continued to support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement which pushes for economic pressure on Israel for alleged ‘genocide’ in Gaza.
His parents, Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani, prominent filmmaker and academic respectively, also support BDS. Some of Mamdani’s legislative pursuits have involved proposing bills to curb non-profit funding to Israel, a move that has raised eyebrows among Jewish constituencies.
Mamdani has taken part in anti-Israel protests including one shortly after an attack which led to the loss of 1,200 Israeli lives. This stance has led some critics to argue that it disqualifies him from leading New York City with its population of 1.3 million Jews.
Mamdani, however, has refuted any claims of radical associations, asserting his dedication to non-violence and fundamental human rights. Addressing these allegations, he expressed his discomfort with being labeled an antisemite, and has suggested an increase in the funding for anti-hate crimes.
His political platform favours free bus services, rent control, and affordable housing. But it is his refusal to recognize Israel’s right as a Jewish state and support for the BDS movement that has turned away moderate voters.
Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani’s political opponent, sees this as an opportunity, positioning himself as a champion of pro-Israel causes. The controversy around Mamdani’s backing of ‘globalise the intifada’ and his perceived anti-Israeli stance has thrust him into the limelight as the mayoral election approaches.
Critics draw connections between him and extremist ideologies, but there has been no concrete evidence directly associating him with any violent organizations. The upcoming elections will require voters to decide whether they view his rhetoric as problematic or indicative of an audacious vision.
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