Zohran Mamdani Refuses to Condemn Controversial Slogan, Says Mayors Shouldn’t ‘Police Speech’
During an appearance on NBC News’ Meet the Press, New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani declined to condemn the slogan “Globalize the Intifada,” a phrase widely criticized by Jewish organizations as antisemitic.
“That’s not language that I use,” Mamdani said. “I don’t believe that the role of the mayor is to police speech.” He emphasized his commitment to universal human rights, stating his focus is on promoting freedom, justice, and safety for all people—both Israelis and Palestinians.
Pressed again by moderator Kristen Welker, Mamdani acknowledged concerns raised by Jewish constituents but still refrained from outright condemnation. Instead, he highlighted his campaign’s pledge to increase funding for anti-hate crime programs by 800%.
When asked why he wouldn’t simply denounce the phrase, Mamdani argued that doing so could set a troubling precedent of determining which political speech is permissible. He drew a parallel to recent federal crackdowns on pro-Palestinian student activists.
“This is not language I use,” he reiterated. “But I understand the concerns, and I will lead with my own words and actions.”
Mamdani’s comments come just days before the Democratic primary vote, reigniting debate over the boundaries of political speech in the Israel-Palestine discourse. In a separate interview with The Bulwark earlier this month, Mamdani said the slogan reflects “a desperate desire for equality and human rights for Palestinians,” while also acknowledging the troubling rise of antisemitism in New York City.
Jewish leaders, including ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, strongly condemned the phrase. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Greenblatt called it “an explicit incitement to violence,” accusing it of glorifying terror and dishonoring victims of past attacks.
