NYC Mayoral Nominee Mamdani Discourages Use of 'Globalize Intifada' Phrase

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, has pledged to discourage the use of the phrase "globalize the intifada" after facing intense scrutiny and criticism for his previous reluctance to condemn it. At a closed-door meeting with prominent city business leaders hosted by the Partnership for New York City, Mamdani clarified that while he does not use the phrase himself and will discourage others from doing so, he supports the underlying ideas of Palestinian human rights and anticolonialism associated with it. The phrase has been controversial, viewed by some as a call for violence and by others as a symbol of protest against Israeli occupation. Mamdani's stance has caused alarm among business executives concerned about his positions on economic issues and fears of antisemitism, leading to cautious responses from Democratic leaders like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, who have withheld endorsements. Despite the backlash, Mamdani's campaign, buoyed by youth and grassroots support, continues to emphasize taxing wealthy New Yorkers to address city affordability. The meeting with business leaders was seen as a partial concession but left many executives unconvinced about Mamdani's approach to balancing social justice with economic stability.