Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.) are introducing a bipartisan resolution urging U.S. leaders to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada,” calling it a call to violence against Israeli and Jewish people worldwide.
The slogan has drawn national controversy since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel and recently resurfaced after NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani refused to publicly denounce it, though he reportedly distanced himself from it in private.
“Condemning it should be common sense, but some would rather play politics than tell the truth. The violence and hatred directed at Jewish and Israeli people is reprehensible,” Yakym told Fox News Digital. “No one, especially in America, should have to live in fear for their safety, or even their life, because of their religion or ethnicity.”
Gottheimer, who is Jewish, said, “‘The Intifada’ refers to a horrific wave of terror attacks that killed thousands of Jews. Globalizing it is a direct call for violence against Jews, and it must be condemned. I’m against hate speech targeting anyone — and everyone should be. It’s insane and unacceptable to me that this antisemitic rhetoric is spreading rampant across our country.”
The resolution cites recent anti-Jewish violence—including an attack on pro-Israel protesters in Colorado, the fatal shooting of Israeli embassy staffers in D.C., and an arson at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion during Passover—as evidence of rising threats. If passed, it would affirm that “globalize the intifada” is a call for violence against Jews and Israelis, and urge leaders at all levels to unequivocally condemn the slogan. It also states that anyone committed to Middle East peace should reject its use.
“Globalize the intifada” has become a common chant at pro-Palestine protests in the U.S. following Israel’s invasion of Gaza, but critics warn it reflects a growing wave of antisemitic rhetoric since the Israel-Hamas war began.
Mamdani, a Democratic socialist and NYC mayoral primary winner, has faced backlash for refusing to condemn the slogan. While Mamdani isn’t accused of using the phrase himself, he reportedly told business leaders Tuesday he would “discourage” its use.
