So I've got an ask about the whole NYC mess, not found the information in my own research and you seem more informed. A friend (also Jewish) is saying that folks tried to use antisemitism to slander Mamdani, and that he only even spoke about Israel because he was asked. This seems odd to me because 'what's your take on the phrase globalize the intifada?' seems a pretty odd question to just ask someone, but I can't find further detail of what led up to this and if there were other statements before or after because there has been so much talk about that one statement.
I can’t find the original interview, but this article has some direct quotes, and a link to an article about the original interaction.
Mamdani is very openly anti Israel and a democratic socialist, which is probably why he was even asked, because he was gaining popularity with leftists and that’s a phrase that leftists use. he also has hung out with known antisemite Hasan Piker and was happy to meet him. that’s about all I can think of as far as why he would be asked about that. my guess is that it was apart of a broader convo about the conflict and his views on it.
