Gov. Shapiro Condemns Mamdani for Failing to Denounce Antisemitism

Pennsylvania Governor Criticizes New York Mayoral Candidate on Antisemitism Concerns

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, one of the most prominent Jewish politicians in the United States, has raised concerns about the handling of antisemitism by New York Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani. His comments have added to the growing debate over how progressive candidates address issues related to antisemitism and their stance on Israel.

Shapiro criticized Mamdani for not doing enough to condemn antisemitic remarks during his campaign. He stated that while Mamdani’s campaign “excited New Yorkers,” it also left room for extremists to use or ignore antisemitic language. This criticism comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Mamdani's views on Israel and his response to certain terms used in political discourse.

Mamdani, a member of the New York Assembly and a democratic socialist, is positioned to become the first Muslim mayor of New York City. His campaign has focused on affordability and social justice, but he has faced questions about his critical views of Israel, especially in a city with the largest Jewish population in the country.

During an event in Lewistown, Shapiro emphasized that leaders, regardless of party affiliation, must speak with moral clarity. He argued that when supporters make antisemitic statements, leaders have a responsibility to condemn such remarks rather than remain silent.

The Controversial Phrase: "Globalize the Intifada"

One of the key points of contention involves the phrase "globalize the intifada." While the term translates to an uprising or resistance in Arabic, it has been interpreted as a call for violence against Jews or Israelis due to its historical association with Palestinian uprisings, including those marked by violent attacks on Israeli civilians.

Mamdani has repeatedly addressed this issue, acknowledging that the phrase can mean different things to different people. He has expressed concern that for many Jewish New Yorkers, the term evokes memories of past attacks in cities like Haifa and Jerusalem. As a result, he has committed to discouraging its use and focusing on building a movement for justice and equality.

This stance marks a shift from earlier comments, where Mamdani had defended the phrase as a form of protest and compared the act of policing language to President Donald Trump’s approach. However, he later clarified that he would not use the term himself and would encourage others to avoid it as well.

Balancing Criticism and Support for Israel

Shapiro has consistently supported the existence of Israel as a Jewish state, even as he has criticized certain policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He advocates for a two-state solution and believes that criticism of Israeli policies does not negate support for the country itself.

He has also spoken about the importance of strengthening the relationship between the United States and Israel, noting that support for Israel has historically transcended party lines. Shapiro emphasized that while he is not involved in foreign policy, he is concerned about the decreasing support for Israel in the U.S. and believes it is crucial to maintain a strong bond.

Personal Experience with Antisemitism

Shapiro recently survived an arson attack at the governor’s mansion during Passover, which was allegedly linked to his support for Israel. Although he has not officially labeled the incident as antisemitic, others have viewed it as part of a broader pattern of attacks targeting Jews who support Israel’s existence.

This personal experience has likely influenced his public stance on antisemitism and the need for leaders to take a firm stand against hate.

Political Implications

Shapiro’s comments come at a time when several prominent Democrats are hesitant to fully endorse Mamdani as the party’s nominee for mayor of New York City. The race includes other candidates such as former Governor Andrew Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, both of whom have launched independent bids after serving as Democrats.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who cross-endorsed Mamdani, has defended the candidate, highlighting his commitment to combating antisemitism and his appeal to Jewish voters. Lander warned that Shapiro’s criticism could help feed narratives that undermine Mamdani’s candidacy.

As the November election approaches, the debate over how to address antisemitism and the role of Israel in American politics will likely continue to shape the national conversation.