NYC Mayoral Frontrunner Zohran Mamdani Shifts Stance on Controversial ‘Intifada’ Phrase Amid Community Backlash

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is drawing attention for walking back his position on the controversial phrase “globalize the intifada,” signaling a political recalibration as the Democratic Socialist continues to lead in the race to replace Mayor Eric Adams.

Mamdani, 33, appeared over the weekend on MSNBC’s PoliticsNation with Rev. Al Sharpton, where he revealed that his views on the phrase had evolved after conversations with members of New York’s Jewish community. Specifically, he cited a meeting with a rabbi who shared personal memories of violence associated with the term, prompting Mamdani to reconsider its public use.

“In that conversation, I came to understand that while some may use the phrase to call for an end to the occupation of Palestinian land, others hear it as a direct threat—one that recalls traumatic events from their past,” Mamdani said.

The term “intifada” — historically linked to Palestinian uprisings against Israeli control — is seen by some advocacy groups as a call for resistance, while others interpret it as promoting violence. The American Jewish Committee has previously defined the slogan “globalize the intifada” as a rallying cry for aggressive opposition to Israel, including acts of violence.

From Protest Language to Public Office

Mamdani’s original stance was more evasive. During an earlier appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, he stated that he did not personally use the phrase but also argued that it wasn’t the role of a mayor to “police language.”

However, the recent comments on MSNBC indicate a more definitive pivot. Mamdani now says he would actively discourage the phrase’s use, describing it as “disconnected from its impact” on many New Yorkers.

“I’ve met with Jewish elected officials, rabbis, and community leaders who expressed genuine fear about the language being used,” he told Sharpton. “And while the intent for some might be protest, the impact is very different for others.”

Mamdani explained that a rabbi described the phrase as evoking memories of bombings in Haifa and Jerusalem during the Second Intifada, and said it led her to fear similar violence could erupt in New York. He said her story helped him understand the broader emotional weight carried by the term.

Bridging Political and Cultural Divides

Mamdani, who is of Ugandan and South Asian descent, represents a progressive coalition pushing for systemic changes in policing, housing, and social equity. He is currently a state assemblyman from Queens and a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Following his primary win, Mamdani emphasized the need to serve all New Yorkers—not just those who voted for him.

“When I stood on stage after the primary, I said I wanted to represent not just the 600,000 who supported me, but the 8.5 million who call this city home,” he said during the interview.

Despite recent controversy, Mamdani maintains that his campaign is focused on economic justice and equity. He continues to promote ambitious proposals, such as launching city-run grocery stores to combat food deserts—an idea he discussed during a CNN appearance with anchor Abby Phillip.

High-Profile Support and Criticism

Mamdani’s campaign has gained traction with the support of national progressive leaders, including Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), who recently joined him at a town hall in Brooklyn. During the event, Sanders railed against economic inequality, referencing tech billionaire Elon Musk.

“We will not sit by while one man becomes a trillionaire while millions struggle to survive,” Sanders said. “This is not the America we believe in, and we won’t allow it to continue.”

The event helped Mamdani further solidify his base among left-leaning voters, particularly younger residents and those disillusioned with the city’s status quo.

Still, Mamdani’s shift on politically sensitive language has prompted questions from both allies and critics. Some see the move as strategic moderation, aimed at making his campaign more palatable to a broader electorate in a city with a large and diverse Jewish population. Others view it as an encouraging sign of willingness to listen and evolve.

A Calculated Political Move?

Mamdani’s recent remarks also follow a report from The New York Times in July, which revealed he had privately told supporters he would discourage the use of the “globalize the intifada” phrase. The public acknowledgment of that position on national television could indicate a calculated move to clarify his stance ahead of the general election campaign.

As the race for mayor intensifies, Mamdani’s evolving rhetoric underscores the tension between activist language and electoral viability—a challenge faced by many progressive candidates who transition from grassroots politics to mainstream governance.

Whether the shift will help or hinder Mamdani remains to be seen, but it has undeniably placed him at the center of a larger conversation about political language, identity, and the boundaries of protest in American cities.