Mamdani pretends not to hate Jews anymore
Mamdani Seeks to Ease Tensions Over ‘Globalize the Intifada’ Phrase at Business Leaders’ Meeting
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Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, told a group of influential business leaders on Tuesday that he would refrain from using the phrase “globalize the intifada” and would discourage its use by others, addressing concerns about the term’s perceived association with violence against Jews. The comments, shared by three individuals familiar with the discussion, mark a shift for Mamdani, who had previously declined to condemn the phrase during his primary campaign.
The remarks came during a closed-door meeting with approximately 150 executives at the Manhattan offices of Tishman Speyer, hosted by the Partnership for New York City, a consortium representing major banks, law firms, and corporations. Mamdani, a democratic socialist assemblyman from Queens and a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, acknowledged that while some use the phrase to express solidarity with Palestinians, many New Yorkers interpret it as a call to violence against Israel.
According to Jewish Breaking News, the meeting, which lasted nearly 90 minutes, saw Mamdani face pointed questions from business leaders wary of his progressive policies, including his proposals to raise income and corporate taxes. Jeff Blau, CEO of the real estate firm Related, pressed Mamdani on whether his policies risked driving businesses out of New York. Mamdani responded by emphasizing his openness to learning from the business community and clarified that his goal was not to push companies away. Rob Speyer, CEO of Tishman Speyer, raised concerns about a potential exodus due to higher taxes, to which Mamdani reiterated his commitment to dialogue.
Mamdani’s stance on the controversial phrase follows weeks of scrutiny. Just two weeks ago, in an interview on “Meet the Press” after his June primary win, he had said the term was “not language that I use” but maintained that the mayor’s role was not to “police speech.” His evolving position comes as he prepares for a competitive general election in November against independent candidates, including Mayor Eric Adams and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as well as Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.
The discussion of Israel was a key focus at the meeting. Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, challenged Mamdani on the term “genocide” and defended Israel’s actions in Gaza, according to two attendees. Mamdani, who would become New York’s first Muslim mayor if elected, has frequently expressed sympathy for Palestinians and shared emotional accounts of facing Islamophobic rhetoric, including a message that called for violence against Muslims. He also highlighted his proposal to increase funding for anti-hate-crime programs to address concerns about antisemitism among Jewish New Yorkers.
Some business leaders left the meeting unconvinced. Jon Henes, founder of C Street Advisory Group, expressed alarm, stating, “Today’s meeting made it clear to me that I need to do everything in my power to make sure Zohran Mamdani does not become mayor of New York City.” Henes cited Mamdani’s lack of executive experience and ideological positions, including his support for socialism, as risks to the city’s future. Others, however, found Mamdani personable, though lacking in policy specifics. Kathy Wylde, CEO of the Partnership for New York City, described the group’s sentiment as “guarded” but noted that many saw Mamdani as a “smart young man and a good communicator.”
Mamdani’s refusal to outright condemn “globalize the intifada” during the primary drew concern from prominent New York Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, neither of whom has endorsed him. Schumer, who spoke with Mamdani on Monday night, told reporters on Tuesday that the phrase was “really wrong and should be condemned,” adding that he looked forward to further discussions with the candidate.
When asked about other progressive mayors, Mamdani expressed admiration for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, whom he has praised previously, over Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, according to one attendee. Mamdani is set to meet again with Partnership members on Wednesday to discuss the city’s tech sector.
Jeffrey Lerner, a spokesman for Mamdani, called the meeting “constructive” and “honest,” adding, “Zohran appreciated the opportunity and looks forward to building on this conversation, even when navigating disagreements on fiscal policy.”