What Is Intifada? Is NYC Democratic Mayoral Candidate Zoran Mamdani Linked To an Extremist Movement?

Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani is under fire for defending the phrase 'globalise the intifada' at pro-Palestinian demonstrations, with antisemitism watchdog Canary Mission raising concerns about his stance on Israel-Palestine relations.

The term 'intifada,' Arabic for 'uprising' or 'shaking off,' carries particular weight in Jewish communities given the history of violence during both Palestinian intifadas against Israel, the first (1987–1993) and second (2000–2005) which claimed more than 1,000 Israeli lives, making Mamdani's defence a flashpoint in the mayoral race.

The phrase 'globalise the intifada', chanted at pro-Palestinian protests, is widely condemned as a call for violence against Jews.

A Fox News report on 25 June 2025, said the Canary Mission, which monitors what it describes as anti-Israel activism on university campuses and in political circles, has compiled documentation linking Mamdani to various pro-Palestinian demonstrations where the contested slogan was chanted, raising questions about his views as he campaigns to lead a city with the largest Jewish population outside Israel.

Understand the Intifada Controversy

Mamdani, a 33-year-old Queens assemblyman and Democratic Socialist, defended 'globalise the intifada' in a 17 June 2025 podcast with The Bulwark, calling it an expression of 'a desperate desire for equality and equal rights' for Palestinians.

He cited the US Holocaust Museum's use of 'intifada' in Arabic translations for the 1944 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, a comparison the museum called 'outrageous'.

The Times of Israel reported on 18 June 2025 that Jewish leaders, including the Anti-Defamation League's Jonathan Greenblatt, decried the phrase as 'explicit incitement to violence'.

On X, users like @VickGower labeled Mamdani an 'apologist for Hamas/Hezbollah', reflecting public outrage.

Examine Mamdani's Activism Record

Canary Mission's report, cited by Fox News report on 25 June 2025, claims Mamdani, born to Muslim-Indian parents in Uganda, was 'raised' in anti-Israel activism.

As a college student, he founded a Students for Justice in Palestine chapter and has since supported the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks economic pressure on Israel for its alleged 'genocide' in Gaza.

His parents, filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, also back BDS, with Nair signing a 2025 letter to bar Israeli actress Gal Gadot from the Oscars.

Mamdani's legislative efforts include bills to restrict non-profits funding Israel, alarming Jewish groups.

NBC News noted on 19 June 2025 that he joined anti-Israel protests days after Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis. Critics, including Rep. Dan Goldman, argue his stance makes him 'unfit' to lead NYC's 1.3 million Jews.

Weigh the Extremism Allegations

Mamdani denies extremist ties, emphasizing his commitment to non-violence and universal human rights.

At a 19 June 2025 Harlem event, he tearfully addressed accusations, saying, 'It pains me to be called an antisemite', and proposed an 800% increase in NYC's anti-hate crime funding.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jewish Voice for Peace Action, praise his progressive platform, free buses, rent freezes, and affordable housing, as inclusive.

However, his refusal to affirm Israel's right as a Jewish state and his BDS support have alienated moderates.

The New York Times noted that rival Andrew Cuomo has capitalised on this, positioning himself as a pro-Israel champion.

Separate Rhetoric from Reality

Zohran Mamdani's defence of 'globalise the intifada' and his anti-Israel activism, highlighted on 25 June 2025, have thrust him into a firestorm as NYC's mayoral race nears on 4 November.

While Canary Mission and critics link him to extremism, no evidence ties him directly to violent groups like Hamas or Hezbollah.

Voters must decide if his rhetoric signals danger or a bold vision, NYC's future rests on their choice.