Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro Criticizes NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani Over Antisemitic Supporters

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has publicly criticized New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for not condemning antisemitic rhetoric among his supporters, urging him to speak and act with moral clarity. Shapiro emphasized that leaders, regardless of political affiliation, must not allow blatantly antisemitic statements to go unaddressed. Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist who upset former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, has faced scrutiny for his ambiguous stance on the phrase "globalize the intifada," which many view as inciting violence against Jewish people. While some pro-Palestinian activists argue the phrase calls for liberation rather than violence, Mamdani’s reluctance to fully disavow it has drawn criticism from both within and outside his party. Shapiro acknowledged Mamdani's ability to energize voters but warned that leaving space for extremist views could alienate moderate Democrats and harm his broader appeal. The controversy surrounding Mamdani reflects wider tensions within the Democratic Party over its direction and messaging on Israel and antisemitism ahead of the 2025 mayoral race and beyond.