In the aftermath of October 7, some of the most aggressive demonstrations against Israel’s response in Gaza were openly calling to “globalize the intifada.” Their wish has now been heard.
In recent weeks, a series of disturbing and violent incidents has taken over the world against Israelis, from Bangkok to Manila, from Greece to Montenegro. The simple fact that someone speaks Hebrew or is Israeli is becoming not only a liability to get gigs or contracts, in music or publishing, but an actual danger to one’s own well-being.
This “anti-Zionism” that is actually pure and plain antisemitism is not a political protest or a criticism of Israel’s policies or Israel’s government. None of those attacked are asked about their political opinions (by the way, no violence is ever acceptable, and that is the case also for far-right Israelis).
This wave of relentless attacks takes place as political anti-Zionism is being normalized in the United States, especially under the influence of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, as Israel is increasingly unpopular in the country.
It is tempting to differentiate Mamdani’s or the DSA’s anti-Zionism from this wave of attacks, and it is actually unfair to blame the attacks solely on them.
But unfortunately, Mamdani and Democratic candidate for the Senate in Michigan Abdul El-Sayed’s rhetoric are fueling a fire that is already burning, as attacks on Jews are the “next good thing” when Israelis are not available to be spat on or punched at, and as “proxies” for the hated Israelis or “Zionists,” as reminded by a group of rabbis to Mamdani that were proven right once again with the latest attack in New York’s Central synagogue on August 14.
Attacks on Jews in New York have increased by 53% (!) in July and by 8% so far in 2026, up until July, compared to the same period in 2025, in the general context of a decrease in crime by 7%.
This 15-point gap should give the NYC mayor pause and force him to reckon that, unwittingly or not, his constant rhetoric on Israel carries some consequences in what his own “Jewish brothers and sisters” are going through in the city he is in charge of.
He may, for instance, understand that “Globalize the intifada” is not only a mere slogan advocating justice for Palestinians, but a call to violent action against Jews and Israelis.
He may conclude, then, that his “refusal to use the expression himself” is not merely enough, and that an outright denunciation is the bare minimum, as this call to action is being tested in real life this summer all around the world.
The time to act is now
Mamdani’s stance on “globalize the intifada” and repeatedly labeling Israel an “apartheid state committing genocide, ”or El-Sayed’s calling Israel “bloodthirsty” or saying that a Democrat supporting Israel can only be explained by money, illustrate their irresponsible virtue signaling and dog whistles that are in many ways similar to Trump’s talking about “infestation,” “rats” about people of color, or “animals” about immigrants.
They can claim that their criticism is purely political and not against individuals, but the extreme rhetoric still puts people at risk.
They and the anti-Zionist far-left in the world are no longer playing with fire but adding gasoline to an existing one, consuming Israelis and Jews in New York and around the world, in the name of (justified) solidarity with the Palestinians, which has become all too often an excuse for intimidation or violence.
It is probably a matter of time before a much more serious incident harms Israelis or Jews. It will then be too late for them to express solidarity with their “Jewish brothers and sisters.” The time to act, to tone down the rhetoric and the flames of incendiary speech, is now. Right now.
Born and raised in France, the writer is the correspondent of French Jewish radio, Radio J, and of the French paper librejournal.fr in the US, where he has been living for 16 years. He is also a contributor to the European review K. He also holds US and Israeli citizenships. His opinions are his only.