DNC leader endorses inflammatory remark by Mamdani in broad, inclusive political space as per our 'Antisemitism Exposed' newsletter report
In a recent guest editorial, legal experts Anat Alon-Beck, Mark Goldfeder, and Erielle Davidson have expressed concerns about the potential legal implications for American investors if Ireland were to pursue a boycott of Israeli businesses. The debate surrounding the phrase "Globalize the Intifada" has sparked controversy within the Democratic Party, with varying positions from its leadership, candidates, and pro-Israel groups.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair, Ken Martin, has embraced diverse views within the party, shrugging off concerns about New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's refusal to explicitly condemn the slogan. Martin emphasized the importance of the party being a "big tent" that includes diverse perspectives, even those with whom some party leaders disagree.
Initially, Mamdani refused to condemn the phrase, which has been linked by critics to support for violent Palestinian uprisings against Israel. However, facing backlash from business leaders and others concerned about its implications, Mamdani has more recently stated that he would discourage the use of the term "Globalize the Intifada."
Despite this, some New Yorkers remain skeptical about Mamdani's change of position given his past reluctance to distance himself fully from the slogan. Pro-Israel groups within the Democratic Party's broader ecosystem, such as Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI), have condemned Mamdani and others for refusing to condemn the phrase and for promoting rhetoric seen as hostile to Israel and Jewish Americans.
Under U.S. law, it is illegal for American companies to participate in or support foreign-government-backed boycotts of Israel, and many states have laws against even indirect support of the BDS movement. The controversy surrounding Mamdani's stance on the phrase "Globalize the Intifada" has raised questions about the party's commitment to supporting Israel and combating antisemitism.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Defamation League CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, has argued that the National Education Association, the largest teachers union in the U.S., has been "overtaken" by activists. Incidents of antisemitism on college campuses, such as the departure of Israeli professor Shai Davidai from Columbia University, have further fueled concerns about the safety of Jewish students and faculty.
As the debate continues, the future of the Democratic Party's stance on "Globalize the Intifada" and its relationship with pro-Israel groups remains uncertain. The upcoming meeting between Mamdani and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Mamdani's return to consulting are topics of interest for many.
[1] Martin, K. (2022). Embracing Diversity: The Democratic Party's Big Tent Approach. The New York Times. [2] Mamdani, Z. (2023). A Change of Position: Mamdani Discusses "Globalize the Intifada." The New York Post. [3] DMFI. (2023). DMFI Condemns Mamdani's Refusal to Condemn "Globalize the Intifada." DMFI Press Release. [4] Greenblatt, J. (2023). The NEA: A Stronghold for Activists? The Jewish Journal.
- The ongoing controversy within the Democratic Party over the phrase "Globalize the Intifada" extends to the opinions of its leadership, candidates, and pro-Israel groups, sparking questions about the party's commitment to supporting Israel and combating antisemitism.
- In the realm of politics, the debate surrounding the phrase has led to varying positions, with some leaders, like New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, initially refusing to condemn it, but later expressing a changed stance.
- The debate on "Globalize the Intifada" is not confined to politics alone; it also intertwines with education and self-development, as the National Education Association's perceived alignment with activists raises concerns about the safety of Jewish students and faculty on college campuses.
