New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani (D), a Democratic Socialist, recently shifted his stance on the controversial phrase “globalize the intifada.” Once neutral on its usage, Mamdani now says he would discourage others from using it, especially after conversations with Jewish leaders and constituents. His remarks came during an interview with Rev. Al Sharpton on MSNBC’s PoliticsNation.

Mamdani explained that the change in his view followed a conversation with a rabbi who shared her trauma associated with the phrase. She recalled bus bombings in Haifa and restaurant attacks in Jerusalem, saying it invoked fear that such violence could reach New York. Mamdani acknowledged that while some activists use the phrase to call for an end to Israeli occupation, others interpret it as inciting violence.

This distinction between intent and impact, Mamdani said, led him to reevaluate his stance. He emphasized the importance of being a mayor for all New Yorkers — not just his supporters — and of understanding differing viewpoints on complex geopolitical issues. Mamdani stated that after these discussions, he would discourage using language that alienates or frightens segments of the population.

His comments mark a notable departure from his earlier statements in June, when he told NBC’s Meet the Press that he did not personally use the phrase but did not believe it was the mayor’s role to “police” speech. A July report by The New York Times also noted that Mamdani had privately begun advising against the phrase’s usage.

Beyond this controversy, Mamdani continues to campaign actively. He recently appeared on CNN to promote his proposal for government-run grocery stores aimed at combating food insecurity. He also hosted a Brooklyn town hall with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

At the event, Sanders criticized wealth inequality, singling out Elon Musk’s rising net worth. He vowed, alongside Mamdani, to fight against economic injustice in America.