Hakeem Jeffries Demands Zohran Mamdani Clarify His ‘Globalize the Intifada’ Comments [WATCH]

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is calling on New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani to explain his refusal to condemn the phrase “Globalize the intifada,” a slogan widely interpreted as a call for violent uprisings against Israel, as reported by The New York Post.

Jeffries, a Democrat representing Brooklyn, made the comments during an interview on ABC’s This Week on Sunday, stating that Mamdani must “clarify his position” on the controversial chant as he continues his campaign for mayor.

“Globalizing the intifada, by way of example, is not an acceptable phrasing,” Jeffries said.

“He’s going to have to clarify his position on that as he moves forward.”

Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

Mamdani, a state assemblyman and self-identified socialist, sparked controversy after comments made in a June 17 interview with The Bulwark in which he described the chant as reflecting “the desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights.”

Anyone who really believes that “globalize the intifada” is a legitimate call for Palestinian equality and equal rights is either a liar or a moron.

Zohran Mamdani is both, and he should never be elected as the mayor of NY City or anywhere else.pic.twitter.com/qXSs8AQAon

— Joel M. Petlin (@Joelmpetlin) June 18, 2025

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

He has refused on multiple occasions to denounce the phrase.

The term “intifada” has been historically associated with Palestinian uprisings that have included violence against Israeli civilians.

During a follow-up interview on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, Mamdani again declined to disavow the phrase when pressed three times by host Kristen Welker.

“That’s not language that I use,” Mamdani said. “The language that I use and the language that I will continue to use to lead this city is that which speaks clearly to my intent, which is an intent grounded in a belief in universal human rights.”

He added, “I don’t believe that the role of the mayor is to police speech in the manner.”

Zohran Mamdani, a New York State Assemblymember and mayoral candidate, refuses to condemn the slogan “globalize the intifada,” widely seen as a call to violence against Jews and a red line for Democrats.

When pressed, he dodged, saying, “That’s not language I use,” and claimed… pic.twitter.com/rhmPAy0U8a

— Media Lies (@MediasLies) June 29, 2025

Mamdani, who would become New York’s first Muslim and millennial mayor if elected, shocked the Democratic establishment by defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the first round of the Democratic primary.

He is widely expected to secure the nomination once the results are certified.

Despite his victory, top Democratic leaders have so far withheld formal endorsements. Jeffries confirmed that he has not endorsed Mamdani and noted that the two have yet to engage in a substantive conversation.

“I have not,” Jeffries said when asked about an endorsement. “We don’t really know each other well. Our districts don’t overlap. I have never had a substantive conversation with him. That’s the next step.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking elected Jewish official in the country, has also not offered an endorsement.

Other Democratic officials, including Reps. Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen, have publicly criticized Mamdani’s far-left positions. Jeffries emphasized that any New York City mayor, regardless of party, must be committed to addressing the rise in antisemitism.

“With respect to the Jewish communities that I represent,” Jeffries said, “our nominee is going to have to convince folks that he is prepared to aggressively address the rise in antisemitism in the city of New York, which has been an unacceptable development.”

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.