NYC Mayoral Hopeful Mamdani Moderates Position on Contentious Slogan After Community Pushback

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist leading New York City’s mayoral race, has softened his earlier defense of the phrase “globalize the intifada.” The candidate acknowledged that while many activists view the words as an expression of Palestinian solidarity, they also carry painful associations for Jewish communities.

The adjustment, revealed during an appearance with Rev. Al Sharpton on MSNBC’s PoliticsNation, underscores the balancing act Mamdani faces as he seeks to govern one of the world’s most diverse cities — home to both the largest Jewish population outside Israel and a significant Arab diaspora.

The Weight of a Slogan

Among pro-Palestinian movements, “globalize the intifada” is often framed as a call for resistance against occupation and for justice. Yet for countless Jewish Americans, the word intifada is inseparable from the bombings, shootings, and civilian casualties of past conflicts in Israel.

Groups like the American Jewish Committee define the phrase as advocating aggressive resistance against Israel, with critics warning it risks legitimizing violence rather than peaceful advocacy.

Mamdani’s Reconsideration

Until recently, Mamdani, 33, had avoided backing away from the slogan despite growing criticism. But in his MSNBC interview, he described how a meeting with a rabbi shifted his outlook.

“She told me it brought back memories of bombings in Haifa and attacks in Jerusalem — and that fear, she said, could be felt here in New York,” Mamdani explained. “It showed me that there’s a real divide between what activists intend and what many Jews hear. As someone who wants to lead this city, I cannot ignore that gap.”

Mamdani stressed that his campaign is about representing not just the voters who propelled him to a primary victory, but the 8.5 million residents of New York City. He noted that ongoing conversations with rabbis, elected officials, and Jewish community leaders had influenced his decision to discourage use of the phrase, even while maintaining his broader pro-Palestinian principles.

Sharpton’s Response

Sharpton, who has himself faced criticism for past remarks about Jewish communities, indicated sympathy for Mamdani’s situation. He noted that words are sometimes “misunderstood,” hinting at his own experiences, and pressed the candidate on whether his personal view of the slogan had changed.

Mamdani did not disavow its activist origins but made clear that reception matters as much as intent: “We have to pay attention to both.”

Political Stakes

The timing is critical. While Mamdani continues to lead the mayoral race, New York politics are notoriously volatile. His earlier defense of the slogan won him praise from progressives who admired his willingness to confront Israeli policies. But it also gave ammunition to opponents, including moderate Democrats and Republicans, who questioned whether he could responsibly govern a city so deeply tied to Jewish life.

By tempering his stance, Mamdani risks losing credibility with some of his activist supporters. At the same time, the move could broaden his appeal among moderates who value bridge-building over uncompromising rhetoric.

A Larger Dilemma

The controversy illustrates the broader challenge facing progressive candidates in global cities: navigating international flashpoints that resonate deeply on the local level. For New Yorkers, issues like the Israeli–Palestinian conflict are not abstract — they touch directly on family ties, cultural identity, and lived experience.

What Comes Next

Whether Mamdani’s recalibration strengthens or weakens his candidacy remains to be seen. His willingness to listen and acknowledge pain across communities could bolster his image as a leader of empathy and nuance. Yet critics are expected to highlight his shift as political expediency, while supporters will watch closely to see if his campaign remains bold or turns more cautious.

For Mamdani, the central test ahead is proving that his adjustment is more than strategy — that it reflects the inclusive leadership he promises to bring to City Hall.