During a solemn remembrance ceremony in New York City, Mike Weinstein, a relative of a firefighter who perished in the September 11, 2001 attacks, delivered a poignant message.
He urged public officials to unequivocally denounce phrases such as "globalize the intifada," warning that failure to do so could lead to another catastrophic event akin to 9/11. Weinstein's remarks were a pointed critique of Zohran Mamdani, a socialist candidate leading the New York City mayoral race.
"I know my cousin Steve and many, many others would agree with me when I say: Let's continue to press all politicians, including those who went home already, to firmly renounce terror and violence," Weinstein stated.
"When political candidates and public officials refuse to condemn global terror and phrases like 'globalize the intifada,' they are inviting another 9/11, God forbid. And they continue to bring daily fear for all New Yorkers."
According to The Washington Free Beacon, Weinstein's cousin, Stephen Belson, was a seasoned firefighter who lost his life while rescuing individuals trapped in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Weinstein's comments were a direct challenge to Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City's mayoral position, who has persistently defended the controversial slogan "globalize the intifada."
This phrase is widely interpreted as inciting violence against Jews, yet Mamdani has described it as "a desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights."
Mamdani's stance has drawn criticism from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which condemned efforts to "sanitize" the phrase as "outrageous and especially offensive to survivors." The museum emphasized, "Since 1987 Jews have been attacked and murdered under its banner. All leaders must condemn its use and the abuse of history."
Mamdani's rhetoric has consistently leaned towards anti-Israel sentiments, as he has refused to acknowledge Israel's right to exist and has supported the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, which is often criticized for its anti-Semitic undertones. In the context of New York City's diverse and vibrant community, Weinstein's call for unity and a firm stance against terror resonates with those who value freedom and security.
As the city looks to its future leadership, the importance of condemning violence and promoting peace remains paramount.
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