Mamdani Under Fire for Refusing to Condemn 'Intifada'

Several Jewish Democrats in Congress are raising red flags about Zohran Mamdani, a New York State Assemblyman and the newly elected Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, citing his refusal to condemn inflammatory rhetoric about Israel and antisemitism.

Mamdani, a self-described Democratic Socialist, secured the Democratic nomination last month after defeating a crowded field of candidates. His campaign focused on affordability and housing, but his record on Israel has come under sharp scrutiny following the primary victory.

Mamdani supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, accused Israel of apartheid following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, massacre, and has refused to denounce the phrase “globalize the intifada” or affirm Israel’s identity as a Jewish state.

“To not be willing to condemn the term ‘globalize the intifada,’ it just demonstrates his callous disregard for antisemitism, terrorist activity,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.). “Anyone that I care about couldn’t possibly distance themselves from him more. It’s really terribly disturbing and potentially dangerous.”

“When you have a prominent candidate who is giving permission to use dangerous rhetoric that potentially incites violence and incites people and creates a permission structure to fan the flames of violence? That’s just completely unacceptable,” she added. “And how he doesn’t understand that shows me that he isn’t ready for prime time.”

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) was similarly critical:

“Mamdani is either ignoring or gaslighting the public when he said the phrase ‘globalize the intifada’ is ‘a peaceful call.’”

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), who represents a large Jewish population in Florida, also condemned Mamdani’s stance:

“I think he’s wrong on all those things. If he can’t tell people ‘globalizing the intifada’ — if he can’t say that that’s antisemitic, then obviously he’s going to continue to add to the problem, not deflate it.”

These warnings come as Mamdani now has a viable path to leading New York City – home to the largest Jewish population in the U.S.

A source familiar with internal discussions confirmed the topic has become a point of concern among Jewish Democrats on Capitol Hill.

Still, the response among Jewish Democrats from New York has been more restrained. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), the dean of the state’s House delegation, endorsed Mamdani the day after the primary.

Other prominent figures like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) issued more cautious statements, stopping short of a formal endorsement.

In a statement following a private meeting with Mamdani, Goldman said:

“Zohran and I share a desire to lift up vulnerable New Yorkers and make the city more affordable and safe. To that end, I explained why Jewish New Yorkers feel unsafe in the City and that, as he continues this campaign, he must not only condemn anti-Jewish hate and calls for violence, but make clear that as Mayor he would take proactive steps to protect all New Yorkers and make us secure.”

As Mamdani’s candidacy draws national attention, the controversy underscores the increasing divide within the Democratic Party over Israel, and the growing tension between progressive activism and Jewish community concerns—especially during a time of heightened antisemitism across the country.