Business leader Mamdani announces intentions to discourage the phrase 'globalize the intifada,' according to sources, as reported by CNN.
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, has recently altered his stance on the phrase "globalize the intifada," a move aimed at addressing concerns over its perceived call to violence against Jewish people.
In a meeting with about 130 business leaders, including Kathy Wylde, head of the Partnership for New York City, Mamdani distanced himself from the phrase, stating that he would discourage others from using it, although he still supports the underlying ideas related to anticolonialism and solidarity with Palestinians.
During the meeting, Mamdani shared a story about a Jewish New Yorker who expressed fear over the phrase's potential for violence. This anecdote influenced his decision to discourage its use, while still aligning with the broader ideals associated with the phrase.
However, many New Yorkers remain skeptical about Mamdani's sudden shift, especially given his earlier refusal to condemn the phrase. This skepticism reflects broader concerns about his stance on issues related to Israel and antisemitism.
The controversy surrounding Mamdani and the phrase has also led to bipartisan efforts in the U.S. House of Representatives to condemn the phrase, highlighting its divisive nature.
Dr. Albert Bourla, chairman and CEO of Pfizer, was among the attendees at the meeting. Mamdani's proposal to raise taxes on the city's wealthiest inhabitants and freeze the rent for residents living in approximately 1 million rent-stabilized apartments is concerning to many business leaders.
The meeting was an opportunity for Mamdani to introduce himself to an audience unfamiliar with him and overly skeptical of many of his proposals. Mamdani has not used the phrase himself, but has refused to condemn its use in the past.
In the meeting, Mamdani clarified his position on the phrase, expressing concerns about the fear it triggers and choosing not to use it himself. He also appreciated the meeting, feeling it was constructive and honest.
Wylde, the head of the Partnership for New York City, expressed concern that Mamdani underestimates the vulnerability of the city. However, she thought Mamdani struck the right tone by listening and trying to assuage fears in the room. Wylde mentioned the fear that if the city's services, quality of life, and public safety begin to decline, combined with an increase in taxes, it will become much harder to attract and keep new talent in the city.
The meeting was held at the offices of Tishman Speyer and was moderated by AlleyCorp's founder and CEO Kevin Ryan. Mamdani was asked to explain his previous defense of the phrase "globalize the intifada." In response, Mamdani stated that he would discourage the use of the phrase in the future.
Wylde said that if Mamdani is truly open to learning, it is comforting. She mentioned the fear that if the city's services, quality of life, and public safety begin to decline, combined with an increase in taxes, it will become much harder to attract and keep new talent in the city.
Mamdani is expected to hold a second meeting with the Partnership for New York on Wednesday, this time in front of tech leaders. Bourla, the son of Holocaust survivors, defended Israel's military action in Gaza during the meeting. The conversation will continue, with the aim of bridging the gap between Mamdani's proposals and the concerns of New York's business leaders.
- Zohran Mamdani, New York City mayor candidate, has renounced his earlier stance on the phrase "globalize the intifada."
- Mamdani's altered position aims to allay fears that the phrase could incite violence against Jewish people.
- In a meeting with 130 business leaders, Mamdani distanced himself from using the phrase due to its potential for perceived violence.
- A Jewish New Yorker's expression of fear over the phrase's implications influenced Mamdani's decision.
- The controversy around Mamdani's past stance has led to bipartisan attempts in the U.S. House of Representatives to denounce the phrase.
- Critics remain skeptical about Mamdani's sudden change, questioning his stance on Israel and antisemitism issues.
- Mamdani clarified his position during the meeting, expressing concern over the phrase's fear-inducing nature.
- The meeting offered Mamdani an opportunity to engage an audience skeptical of his proposals.
- Mamdani has not used the phrase himself, yet refused to condemn its use in the past.
- Kathy Wylde, head of the Partnership for New York City, expressed concern over Mamdani's seeming underestimation of the city's vulnerability.
- Wylde believes Mamdani showed progress by actively listening to concerns about declining city services, quality of life, and public safety.
- A second meeting between Mamdani and the Partnership for New York is scheduled, this time focusing on tech leaders.
- Albert Bourla, Pfizer's CEO, defended Israel's military action in Gaza during the meeting.
- Skills training, career development, and policy-and-legislation discussions may be on the table for future meetings.
- The conversation aims to reconcile Mamdani's proposals with the concerns of New York's business leaders.
- Issues regarding education, self-development, and personal growth may also emerge during subsequent discussions.
- General news on migration, war-and-conflicts, and crime-and-justice could potentially factor into debates.
- Topics such as sports, including baseball, hockey, football, golf, and mixed-martial-arts, could arise as a means of finding common ground.
