Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate in New York City’s mayoral primary, is facing intense backlash after remarks defending the slogan “globalize the intifada.” His comments, made during an interview with The Bulwark, have drawn criticism from Jewish groups, political figures, and fellow candidates. When asked if the phrase made him uncomfortable, Mamdani framed it as a call for equality and a demand for Palestinian human rights. He also referenced the U.S. Holocaust Museum’s use of the word “intifada” in Arabic translations describing the 1944 Warsaw Uprising.

The response was swift. The U.S. Holocaust Museum issued a sharp rebuke via X, condemning Mamdani’s comparison as “outrageous” and offensive to survivors. The statement emphasized that the term “intifada” has been linked to attacks and murders of Jews since 1987 and demanded leaders universally reject its use. The Museum declined immediate comment on the specifics of its Arabic translation.

Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt denounced the phrase on X as “explicit incitement to violence.” Rep. Dan Goldman of New York added that “intifada” is widely understood to refer to deadly terror attacks targeting Israeli civilians. He argued that Mamdani’s refusal to reject the term disqualifies him from leadership in a city with the world’s second-largest Jewish population.

Fellow Democrats, including frontrunner and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, also took aim. Cuomo, whose lead has narrowed in recent weeks as Mamdani gains progressive momentum, called on all candidates to denounce Mamdani’s stance. He pointed to recent violent antisemitic incidents in Washington, D.C. and Denver, warning that words can incite real-world harm. Cuomo said, “They fuel hate. They fuel murder.”

The controversy adds new tension to a primary already overshadowed by the war in Gaza and a spike in antisemitic incidents. Cuomo, 67, has cast himself as a strong supporter of Israel, appealing to Jewish voters and centrist Democrats. Mamdani, 33, a democratic socialist, has accused Israel of “genocide” in Gaza and recently secured a significant endorsement from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Speaking to reporters at a press event in Harlem, Mamdani addressed the growing uproar. “It pains me to be called an antisemite,” he said. “I’ve said at every opportunity that there is no room for antisemitism in this city, in this country.” His voice cracked as he spoke of the threats and abuse he’s endured during the campaign, describing messages calling for his death and threatening his loved ones. He teared up recounting the trauma of being a Muslim candidate in the current political climate.

The Democratic primary will take place on June 24. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, mired in his own legal controversies, is not seeking the party’s nomination and is instead pursuing independent ballot access through “EndAntiSemitism” and “Safe&Affordable” lines, according to reports.