StopAntisemitism founder Liora Rez has issued a warning that electing Zohran Mamdani as the next mayor of New York City would be a ‘catastrophic’ decision for Jewish residents and the general population. Rez, who founded the organization in 2018 to expose antisemitism, has accused Mamdani of being associated with radical antisemites and taking part in protests against Israel. In addition, Mamdani has faced backlash for not condemning the anti-Israel slogan ‘globalize the intifada,’ which Rez has described as a call for violence against Jewish people. Recent tensions have also been sparked by President Donald Trump’s threat to arrest Mamdani if he fails to comply with federal immigration officials.
The controversy has intensified after Mamdani’s refusal to condemn the phrase ‘globalize the intifada,’ which has been criticized as inciting violence against Jewish people. Rez has stated that individuals concerned about Mamdani’s potential antisemitism have every right to be worried due to his past behavior. She has listed numerous instances of Mamdani’s antisemitic actions, highlighting his involvement in protests that have opposed Israel and his alleged friendly ties with radical antisemites. These claims have fueled fears among Jewish community members about the potential impact of Mamdani’s leadership on the city’s safety and stability.
Mamdani, who is a 33-year-old New York state assembly member, has been vocal in his criticism of Israel and even has vowed to have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he visits New York City. This stance has drawn significant attention, particularly from top Democrats and the media, who have called on Mamdani to condemn the ‘globalize the intifada’ slogan. In a recent interview, Mamdani defended his position, asserting that the phrase is a rallying cry for equality and equal rights for Palestinian human rights. Despite these statements, his refusal to unequivocally condemn the slogan continues to be a point of contention.
President Donald Trump has weighed in on the matter, threatening to arrest Mamdani if he fails to comply with federal immigration officials. Trump has referred to Mamdani as a ‘communist’ and stated that he would closely monitor any potential communist figures in the country. While Mamdani has yet to respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment, the situation remains highly charged, with significant political and social implications for New York City.