New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani said he will no longer use the phrase “globalize the intifada” and will urge others to avoid it, following backlash from business leaders and advocacy groups.
At a closed-door meeting with New York business leaders, Mamdani clarified that while he will step back from the controversial slogan, he stands by its underlying message of solidarity with Palestinians. He emphasized that, in his view, the phrase refers to protesting the Israeli occupation of Gaza, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Zohran Mamdani's first date w/ NYC's business elite:
— Peter Rudegeair (@rudegeair) July 16, 2025
-discouraged saying "globalize the intifada"
-tried to defuse ?s about defunding the police & seizing private property
-said not to hold old tweets against him
From @KevinTDugan, @BenGlickman & me https://t.co/WHOJfHSScH
Critics argue the slogan is a call for violence against Jewish communities, while supporters view it as a call for Palestinian resistance. Mamdani had previously refused to condemn its use, sparking intense criticism from across the political spectrum.
His move comes amid growing scrutiny of pro-Palestinian rhetoric among progressive lawmakers and candidates in New York.
