The cousin of a 9/11 firefighter criticized New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for not condemning the slogan “globalize the intifada” during a recent anniversary ceremony.
The cousin of a firefighter who perished in the September 11 attacks took aim at New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for his reluctance to denounce the controversial slogan “globalize the intifada.” This remark came during a memorial ceremony held in Manhattan on Thursday, where Mike Weinstein, 61, honored his cousin, Stephen Belson, a veteran firefighter who lost his life while attempting to rescue individuals trapped in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
Weinstein urged all politicians to unequivocally renounce terror and violence. He warned that failing to do so, particularly by not condemning phrases like “globalize the intifada,” could lead to another tragedy akin to 9/11. “I know my cousin Steve and many, many others would agree with me when I say, let’s continue to press all politicians, including those who went home already, to firmly renounce terror and violence,” Weinstein stated. “When political candidates and public officials refuse to condemn global terror and phrases such as ‘globalize the intifada,’ they are inviting another 9/11, God forbid, and they continue to bring daily fear for all New Yorkers,” he added.
Weinstein’s passionate remarks underscored the urgency he feels regarding the political climate. “Enough. Enough is enough,” he continued. “Twenty-four years later, we need all political candidates, including every single potential future mayor — and you know who I’m talking about — of this great city to speak out against terror and unite as freedom-loving New Yorkers. God bless America, land of the free and home of the brave.”
The phrase “globalize the intifada” is widely recognized as an anti-Zionist slogan that advocates for international support of Palestinian resistance against Israel. However, it has been criticized for inciting violence against Israelis and Jews. Throughout his campaign for the Democratic Party’s mayoral nomination, which he won in June, Mamdani has refrained from directly condemning the slogan. Recently, he did indicate that he would “discourage” its use.
In a shift from his earlier stance, Mamdani suggested that discussions with Jewish leaders had influenced his perspective on the slogan’s implications. He acknowledged the disparity between the slogan’s intended message and its detrimental effects on many Jewish New Yorkers. Earlier this summer, Mamdani described the phrase as reflecting “a desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights.” However, he later clarified that it is “not language that I use,” amid growing backlash.
During an appearance on NBC, Mamdani emphasized the importance of using language that clearly conveys his intentions, stating, “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.”
As the political landscape evolves, the discourse surrounding sensitive topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains contentious. Weinstein’s remarks serve as a reminder of the deep emotional scars left by the events of 9/11 and the ongoing challenges faced by New Yorkers in navigating these complex issues.
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