New York City mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani faced repeated questioning on NBC’s “Meet the Press” about the phrase “globalize the intifada.” Host Kristen Welker pressed him on whether he condemns the slogan, which many interpret as inciting violence against Israel and Jewish communities. Mamdani responded that he does not use the phrase himself and declined to denounce it outright, stating it is not the mayor’s job to “police language.”
He emphasized that his focus is on universal human rights and promised to protect all communities, including New York’s Jewish residents. Mamdani highlighted that combating antisemitism must be done through concrete actions rather than speech policing.
The exchange has sparked backlash from prominent Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Ritchie Torres, who have urged him to clearly repudiate the slogan. While Mamdani remains on track as the city’s Democratic nominee, the episode deepens scrutiny over his stance on Israel, free speech, and Jewish–Palestinian relations at this pivotal moment in his campaign.