A relative of a firefighter killed on 9/11 took a veiled shot at Zohran Mamdani during Thursday’s anniversary ceremony in Manhattan — calling out all public officials who refuse to condemn the phrase “globalize the Intifada.”
“They are inviting another 9/11, God forbid,” Mike Weinstein, 61, said to some applause from attendees, who included the Democratic mayoral nominee and other local and national officials.
Weinstein was honoring his “coolest cousin” Stephen Belson, a 23-year veteran firefighter killed trying to save stranded tenants in the World Trade Center’s South Tower on Sept. 11, 2001.
Belson, a former swimmer, surfer and lifeguard in Rockaway Beach, was assigned to Ladder 24 Engine 1 near Madison Square Garden.
“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, of Syosset, said during his speech at the 24th annual remembrance of the terror attacks.
“When political candidates and public officials refuse to condemn global terror and phrases such as ‘globalize the intifada’ they are inviting another 9/11, God forbid, and they continue to bring daily fear for all New Yorkers. Enough. Enough is enough. It’s 24 years later,” Weinstein said to applause.
He continued, “We need all political candidates including every single potential future mayor, and you know who I’m talking about, of this great city to speak out against terror, and unite as freedom loving New Yorkers. God bless America. Land of the free and home of the brave.”
Mamdani has refused to condemn the phrase, but advises not using it.
“That’s not language that I use,” Mamdani told NBC’s Kristen Welker on “Meet the Press.” in July.
“The language that I use and the language that I will continue to use to lead this city is that which speaks clearly to my intent, which is an intent grounded in a belief in universal human rights.”
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