Gottheimer presses NYC comptroller on antisemitic slogan, government-run groceries, and congestion tax
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., confronted New York City Comptroller Brad Lander during a House Financial Services Committee hearing this week, criticizing him for failing to condemn the antisemitic phrase “Globalize the Intifada” and questioning his support of government-run grocery stores and the city’s congestion pricing plan.
“The phrase ‘Globalize the Intifada’ is an antisemitic slogan that refers to a wave of terror that killed more than a thousand Jews. Mr. Lander, Mr. Mamdani recently said he’ll, quote, ‘discourage’ the use of the phrase ‘globalize the intifada,’ but has refused to condemn it as antisemitic rhetoric. You have also failed to outright condemn this phrase as antisemitic and a blatant call for violence against Jewish people, which is obviously surprising, given that antisemitic violence, as you know, is at an all-time high in this country, including in New York and New Jersey, where I’m from. I just want to know if you condemn the phrase ‘globalize the intifada’ as a call to violence against Jewish people?” Gottheimer asked.
“So, you condemn the phrase? It’s like a yes or no question — you’re either for it or against it.”
“So, we should do everything we can to get people to stop using that phrase, correct? That doesn’t seem that hard…”
“So, you think we should allow that — you think we should discourage it or condemn it? What do you think we should do on that phrase?”
“It’s just a yes or no, man, it’s not that hard.”
“The question is: do you condemn the phrase ‘Globalize the Intifada’ — it’s a simple yes or no question.”
“You don’t know what the word condemn means? You’re a very smart guy.”
Gottheimer also pressed Lander on his support for New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s proposal for government-run grocery stores.
“Mr. Lander, it’s surprising that you are advocating for free market policies and good corporate governance, which I support. Do you believe the government should be running grocery stores in New York City? […] So, you think government-run stores — exempt from property taxes and rent — you’re not worried they’re going to hurt small businesses, like local grocery stores that are owned by longtime residents and immigrants and others — because they have to compete with the government-run ones?” he said.
The New Jersey lawmaker also raised concerns about the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s congestion pricing plan and fare increases.
“People from New Jersey who commute into New York to work, to see doctors, to spend money, contribute to the economy. That’s great that you love them. You’ve obviously supported the Congestion Tax, which is hurting them. And the MTA, as you know, just recently announced that they will be increasing subway fares — the very mode of transportation you are suggesting commuters take instead of driving, which is part of what it’s encouraging. Do you support those price increases at the MTA?” Gottheimer asked.
