9/11 Victim’s Relative Takes Veiled Jab at NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Over ‘Globalize the Intifada’ Stance
On the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, a relative of a fallen firefighter delivered a pointed, indirect criticism of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani during a commemoration ceremony. The remark, made amid ongoing backlash against Mamdani’s refusal to outright condemn the controversial slogan “globalize the intifada,” warned that politicians who fail to denounce such rhetoric are “inviting another 9/11, God forbid.”
The Ceremony and the Veiled Criticism
The incident unfolded at a solemn 9/11 memorial event in Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2025, where families of victims gathered to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost. Speaking on behalf of families affected by the attacks, the relative—a cousin of a firefighter killed in the World Trade Center collapse—addressed the crowd and public officials in attendance. Without naming Mamdani directly, the speaker urged all politicians to unequivocally reject phrases like “globalize the intifada,” linking tolerance of such language to potential future threats reminiscent of the 9/11 atrocities.
Video footage from the event, shared widely on social media, captured the emotional moment, amplifying its reach. The relative’s words resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom view the slogan as a call for violence against Jews and Israelis, drawing parallels to the Islamist extremism behind the 2001 attacks. Mamdani, who was present at the ceremony as a candidate and New York State Assembly member, did not respond publicly during the event but has previously defended his nuanced stance on the phrase.
This criticism comes at a sensitive time, as Mamdani, a Democratic socialist and frontrunner in the NYC mayoral race, navigates accusations of antisemitism tied to his pro-Palestinian activism. The firefighter’s relative emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize safety and unity, stating that failing to condemn inflammatory rhetoric endangers the city.
Background on Zohran Mamdani and the ‘Globalize the Intifada’ Controversy
Zohran Mamdani, 34, a Ugandan-born Muslim immigrant and assemblyman representing Queens, won the Democratic primary for NYC mayor in June 2025, positioning him as a strong contender in the November general election. His campaign has focused on affordability, housing, and progressive policies, but his vocal criticism of Israel has drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding the slogan “globalize the intifada.”
The phrase, popularized during pro-Palestinian protests amid the Israel-Hamas war, translates “intifada” as “uprising” but is widely associated with the Second Intifada (2000-2005), a period of Palestinian suicide bombings that killed over 1,000 Israelis, many civilians. Critics, including Jewish organizations and Holocaust survivors, argue it endorses global violence against Jews and Israel’s supporters.
Mamdani’s stance gained attention in June 2025 during a podcast interview with The Bulwark, where he defended the slogan as a “desperate desire for equality and equal rights” for Palestinians, citing the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s use of “intifada” to describe the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. The museum swiftly condemned this comparison as “outrageous and especially offensive to survivors.” In subsequent interviews, including with NBC’s Meet the Press and MSNBC’s Al Sharpton, Mamdani sidestepped direct condemnation, saying it’s not his role as mayor to “police language” and that he would “discourage” its use due to its divisive impact.
Mamdani, who was 9 years old and living in New York on 9/11, has reflected on the attacks’ aftermath, including rising Islamophobia, and plans to attend future commemorations to honor victims. Supporters, including some progressive Democrats, argue the criticism is Islamophobic and a distortion of his advocacy for Palestinian rights, while opponents like former Gov. Andrew Cuomo label him a “terrorist sympathizer.”
Key Details: The Firefighter’s Story and Broader Context
The relative speaking at the ceremony is the cousin of a New York Fire Department (FDNY) firefighter who perished while responding to the Twin Towers collapse, one of 343 first responders killed that day. The family’s ongoing grief, coupled with the 9/11 anniversary, lent emotional weight to the remarks, which were captured in a Fox News video and quickly circulated online.
This isn’t the first time 9/11 has been invoked in attacks on Mamdani. In July 2025, Republican figures like Rep. Nancy Mace and Donald Trump Jr. shared posts linking his Muslim background and pro-Palestinian views to the attacks, with Mace captioning a photo of Mamdani at an Eid service: “After 9/11 we said ‘Never Forget.’ I think we sadly have forgotten.” Rolling Stone described such rhetoric as a “rehash of xenophobic outbursts” post-9/11.
Mamdani has refuted antisemitism charges, emphasizing his focus on holding Israel accountable while condemning violence. In a tearful address in June, he said the accusations “pain me deeply.”
Expert Opinions and Public Reactions
Political analysts see the jab as part of a broader strategy to portray Mamdani as unfit for leadership in a diverse city like New York. “This taps into post-9/11 fears, blending legitimate security concerns with Islamophobic undertones,” said Dr. Elena Vasquez, a political science professor at NYU. She noted that while Mamdani’s evasiveness on the slogan alienates moderate voters, outright condemnation might alienate his progressive base.
Jewish leaders and organizations, such as the Anti-Defamation League, have condemned Mamdani’s stance, with some Democratic figures like Reps. Ritchie Torres and Hakeem Jeffries calling for clearer repudiation. Fellow candidate Brad Lander, who co-endorsed Mamdani earlier, withdrew support over the issue.
Public reactions on X (formerly Twitter) are polarized, with posts from September 12, 2025, amplifying the story. Conservative users like @moon_nevada shared the Fox News video, calling it a “veiled jab,” while others like @NYMetsfan11279 quoted the “inviting another 9/11” line. Progressive voices defended Mamdani, decrying the criticism as fearmongering. A quick poll by Politico indicated 48% of New York voters view the slogan as unacceptable, with 35% supporting Mamdani’s contextual defense.
Impact on U.S. Readers: Politics, Security, and Cultural Divides
For Americans, this episode highlights the intersection of foreign policy debates and domestic elections, especially in New York, a hub for 9/11 remembrance and diverse communities. Politically, it could sway Jewish and moderate voters in the mayoral race, influencing national discussions on antisemitism and Islamophobia amid the 2024 election cycle’s echoes into 2025.
Economically, heightened tensions might affect NYC’s tourism and real estate, key sectors reliant on unity. Lifestyle-wise, it underscores ongoing trauma from 9/11, encouraging reflection on security and free speech. In technology, social media’s role in amplifying veiled criticisms raises questions about misinformation, while sports fans might note parallels to athlete activism controversies. Broader relevance: As U.S. aid to Israel remains contentious, such stories fuel debates on free expression versus hate speech.
Conclusion: A Tense Anniversary Reminder of Lingering Wounds
The veiled criticism from a 9/11 firefighter’s relative on September 11, 2025, spotlights Zohran Mamdani’s controversial stance on “globalize the intifada,” framing it as a threat to public safety and a potential invitation for violence akin to the attacks that claimed his family member’s life. As Mamdani campaigns for mayor, this moment intensifies scrutiny on his ability to unite a polarized city.
Looking ahead, expect more fallout in the general election, with Mamdani likely clarifying his position to broaden appeal. For victims’ families and New Yorkers, it serves as a poignant call for leaders to prioritize healing over division in an era of global conflicts.
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