Jewish Democrat lawmakers in Congress are raising urgent concerns about New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani — a proud Democratic Socialist — after he refused to condemn the slogan “globalize the intifada” or affirm Israel’s status as a Jewish state at a time when antisemitism is climbing fast.
“To not be willing to condemn the term ‘globalize the intifada,’ it just demonstrates his callous disregard for antisemitism, terrorist activity,” Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D‑FL) warned. “Anyone that I care about couldn’t possibly distance themselves from him more. It’s really terribly disturbing and potentially dangerous.”
Rep. Brad Schneider (D‑IL) adds that Mamdani seems to be “either ignoring or gaslighting the public” by labeling the phrase “a peaceful call.” “I think he’s wrong on all those things,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D‑FL). “If he can’t tell people ‘globalizing the intifada’ … then obviously he’s going to continue to add to the problem, not deflate it.”
Mamdani, who has backed Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) and characterized Israel’s actions as apartheid following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, further intensified suspicions when he dodged declaring Israel a Jewish state. He merely affirmed, “I believe Israel has the right to exist … as a state with equal rights.”
Rep. Wasserman Schultz didn’t mince words: “When you have a prominent candidate who is giving permission to use dangerous rhetoric that potentially incites violence and incites people … That’s just completely unacceptable. And how he doesn’t understand that shows me that he isn’t ready for prime time.”
Rep. Greg Landsman (D‑OH) framed the broader threat: “It is happening in the context of a violent surge in antisemitism. Two Jews murdered here in Washington, D.C. … and now this. It’s definitely something that we’re worried about.”
This isn’t just a local race — it’s a test of whether we stand for security-first leadership and defend among America’s most cherished alliances. Allowing candidates to normalize calls for widespread aggression risks emboldening extremist rhetoric that threatens both national unity and the safety of vulnerable communities.
A secure nation depends on leaders who unequivocally denounce hate, affirm foundational allies, and place America’s interests and values front and center. Electing a mayor who refuses to do so would signal a troubling shift away from common-sense governance and security priorities.
Let’s stay alert as local elections increasingly shape our national character.
