In the lead-up to the Democratic primary election, Jewish leaders are calling on late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert to hold mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani accountable for his controversial views. Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, has faced backlash for refusing to outright condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which many see as inflammatory and potentially violent rhetoric against Jews.
The call for scrutiny came in a letter sent to Colbert, urging him not to give Mamdani and fellow candidate Brad Lander an easy interview. Given that Colbert’s show airs in New York City, home to one of the largest Jewish populations outside of Israel, the activists expressed concern over the implications of Mamdani’s statements. They highlighted a recent surge of antisemitism in the city, particularly since the tragic events of October 7, 2023, which have left many Jewish residents feeling unsafe.
The letter, which has received attention across various media platforms, stated, “For nearly two years, our community has faced a terrifying tide of rising antisemitism, and fear for our safety and future in this most Jewish of cities.” The authors emphasized the need for greater accountability from public figures who use incendiary language, especially in a political context.
Mamdani has reportedly been using the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which reflects a sentiment that has historically been associated with violence against Jewish individuals. This phrase has roots in two previous waves of violence dating from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, which claimed many lives through attacks in places like cafes and public transport.
The letter’s signatories included prominent figures in the Jewish community, such as Elisha Wiesel, son of renowned Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. Wiesel’s voice carries significant weight, as he quoted his father’s wisdom about being cautious of threats from enemies while being wary of promises made by friends. Other notable signers included former leaders from the Anti-Defamation League and heads of several Jewish organizations.
These leaders also raised concerns about Mamdani’s past, pointing to instances where he expressed admiration for individuals connected to organizations known for terror financing—specifically mentioning the “Holy Land Five,” a group convicted of raising money for Hamas, a group responsible for numerous attacks on Israel.
In the letter to Colbert, advocates demanded that the talk show host press Mamdani on his past statements and affiliations if given a platform to promote his campaign. They asserted that failing to do so would disrespect the concerns of many Jewish Americans who have been affected by rising antisemitism.
Colbert is also encouraged to scrutinize Lander, who has publicly supported Mamdani while suggesting that “globalize the intifada” implies a more serious threat. Despite being Jewish himself, Lander has chosen to endorse Mamdani, raising further questions about the alignment of their views.
During a recent interview, Mamdani reiterated his refusal to condemn the “globalize the intifada” slogan, suggesting that it carries various interpretations and asserting his belief that it’s not the mayor’s role to “police language.” He acknowledged the genuine fears within the Jewish community and promised to ensure their safety should he be elected, citing a “real crisis of antisemitism.”
As the primary election approaches, the dialogue around these candidates highlights significant concerns within the Jewish community and raises questions about the responsibilities of elected officials in addressing sensitive topics. Voters are encouraged to consider how candidates’ views on such crucial issues will affect their communities in the long term.
The situation underscores the importance of clear communication and accountability among public figures, especially in a city as diverse and vibrant as New York. As the election draws nearer, the ability of candidates to confront these pressing issues may well influence their chances of success at the ballot box.
