Pro-Palestinian activism exposed as extremists celebrate terror while Israel stands firm defending civilians from violence.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has come under renewed criticism after appearing at a Ramadan event where he was introduced by an activist who previously called for Hamas to bomb Tel Aviv. The controversy has intensified concerns about extremist rhetoric within pro-Palestinian circles and its connections to political figures in the United States.
The event took place at a gathering organized by the Muslim American Society in Staten Island. Mamdani was introduced by Abdullah Akl, who had previously led chants during a 2024 protest calling on Hamas to “strike” Tel Aviv. In the chant, Akl referenced Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza, praising the group while encouraging attacks against Israel.
Reports have also highlighted Akl’s social media history, which includes calls for an “Intifada,” claims that Israel should not exist as a state, and messages urging parents to teach children that Israel is an enemy. Despite the controversial background, Mamdani told attendees at the event that it was “such a privilege and a pleasure” to be present with Akl and other participants.
The controversy has been amplified by separate reports involving Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji. Social media activity attributed to her showed that she had liked several posts that praised or appeared supportive of the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel. The massacre, which targeted Israeli communities near Gaza, resulted in the deadliest single day for Jews since the Holocaust.
One of the posts reportedly liked by Duwaji on the day of the attack included images circulating online of Hamas militants riding in an Israeli military vehicle as they entered border communities. Other posts promoted demonstrations supporting Palestinian resistance and criticized Israel using rhetoric frequently associated with anti-Israel activist groups.
Additional posts she reportedly liked encouraged participation in protests supporting the Palestinian cause and framed the violence as part of resistance against Israeli policies. Critics argue that such messaging contributes to the normalization of extremist narratives that glorify attacks against Israeli civilians.
Mamdani responded to the reports by distancing himself from his wife’s online activity. During a press conference he said that his wife was acting as a private individual and did not hold any official role in his campaign or within city government. He emphasized that, as mayor, he represents all residents of New York City and is responsible for answering questions about his own policies and positions.
The mayor had already faced backlash on his first day in office after cancelling several executive orders issued by former mayor Eric Adams related to Israel. One of the rescinded orders formally adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Another prohibited city officials from participating in boycotts or divestment efforts targeting Israel.
