Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman on Wednesday urged attendees at this year’s Sept. 11 memorial ceremony to turn their backs on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani if he attends the event.
Blakeman, who serves as Nassau County executive and whose nephew was killed in the South Tower on Sept. 11, 2001, framed his call as a respectful protest. He compared the memorial ceremony to a wake, stating that attendees should not attend if they are unwelcome. "I think there's a respectful and peaceful way to protest that, and I would suggest that people turn their back on the mayor," Blakeman said.
Blakeman cited Mamdani’s refusal to condemn the phrase 'globalize the intifada' as the basis for his stance. He argued that Mamdani’s perceived support for the phrase disqualifies him from attending the ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. "He's not welcome there because he has yet to say anything in opposition to the global intifada," Blakeman stated. "As a matter of fact, it seems like he supports that phrase."
Mamdani has confirmed his intention to attend the ceremony. His office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Blakeman’s remarks.
Petition Calls for Mamdani’s Exclusion from 9/11 Ceremony
Relatives of Sept. 11 victims have launched a petition urging the National September 11 Memorial & Museum to bar Mamdani from attending the ceremony in Lower Manhattan. The petition argues that Mamdani’s public positions raise concerns about his suitability to participate in the event.
In response to the petition, Mamdani reaffirmed his commitment to honoring the victims. "I will proudly honor the families, the survivors, the first responders forever impacted by that horrific terror attack by standing alongside them at this year's 9/11 commemoration — reaffirming that we will never forget the solemn day," he said in a statement last week.
Background on the Phrase ‘Globalize the Intifada’
The phrase 'globalize the intifada' has been widely criticized as a call for violent uprising against Israel. Critics argue it glorifies terrorism, while supporters contend it is a political slogan tied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mamdani has not publicly condemned the phrase, which Blakeman cited as a reason for his exclusion from the memorial.
The 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks will be observed on Sept. 11, 2025, at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City.