Cuomo condemns Mamdani over 'globalize the Intifada' comments

Andrew Cuomo is criticizing Zohran Mamdani for refusing to reject the slogan “globalize the Intifada,” which some have viewed as threatening language against Jews.

Antisemitism has been a central issue in New York City’s mayoral primary. Cuomo, the front-runner, has accused Mamdani and other left-leaning opponents, including City Comptroller Brad Lander, who is Jewish, of being antisemitic for criticizing Israel.

“At a time when we are seeing antisemitism on the rise and in fact witnessing once again violence against Jews resulting in their deaths in Washington, DC, or their burning in Denver — we know all too well that words matter,” Cuomo said in a statement on Wednesday. “They fuel hate.”

Mamdani said he has “repeatedly condemned any calls for violence.”

The term “Intifada” is an Arabic word that refers to past Palestinian uprisings against Israel. Protesters opposed to Israel's war in Gaza have frequently used "globalize the Intifada" as a chant. It is among several phrases — including “Free Palestine” and “From the River to the Sea” — that some Jews have viewed as offensive, especially after the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023.

During an interview on popular politics podcast “The Bulwark,” Mamdani was asked whether phrases like “globalize the Intifada” make him uncomfortable.

“Ultimately, what I hear in so many is a desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights,” he said. “And I think what's difficult also is that the very word has been used by the Holocaust Museum when translating the Warsaw ghetto uprising into Arabic, 'cause it's a word that means struggle.”

He then added that as a Muslim, he was “too familiar in the way in which Arabic words can be twisted, can be distorted, can be used to justify any kind of meaning.”

Several Jewish news outlets reported on the interview, prompting criticism from some in the Jewish community.

The Holocaust Museum issued a statement accusing Mamdani of “exploiting the Museum and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising to sanitize ‘globalize the intifada.’"

Exploiting the Museum and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising to sanitize “globalize the intifada” is outrageous and especially offensive to survivors. Since 1987 Jews have been attacked and murdered under its banner. All leaders must condemn its use and the abuse of history. pic.twitter.com/SBviaMNLCM

— US Holocaust Museum (@HolocaustMuseum) June 18, 2025

Mamdani said Wednesday he has consistently condemned antisemitism and accused candidates of weaponizing the issue while lacking “any sincere interest” in tackling the problem.

Mamdani spoke about having his views toward Jews be interrogated on the campaign trail. A flier produced by a pro-Cuomo super PAC featured a distorted image of Mamdani with a thicker, darker beard, prompting critics to accuse Cuomo of fearmongering. The super PAC, Fix the City, said the mailer was rejected as a draft and never sent.

“I am characterized by those same rivals as being a monster,” Mamdani said. “Part of this is the very sad burden of what it means to be the very first Muslim candidate to run for mayor.”

Mamdani then choked up while describing death threats he has received, which have prompted him to hire security — an uncommon practice for a mayoral candidate.

“I get threats on my life, on the people that I love,” he said, adding, “And it takes a toll.”

This story has been updated with additional information.