It’s quite something, really. Zoran Mamdani seems very sure of himself regarding his chances in the mayoral election, even aligning with some of the coalition’s more extreme aspects.
Take his visit to Masjid at Taqwa in Bedford-Stuyvesant on Friday, for instance. It’s noteworthy he felt comfortable going there, especially since it’s associated with Imam Siraj Wahhaj. The candidate even shared about it on social media.
Wahhaj has a controversial past, being listed as an “unindicted co-conspirator” in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing; several involved were linked to his mosque. He’s been vocal in defending those co-conspirators, claiming that the FBI and CIA represented a greater threat to society.
Moreover, Wahhaj had testified in favor of Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, known as the “Blind Sheikh,” who orchestrated attacks and was convicted for a plot involving several New York City landmarks back in ‘93.
While Wahhaj denies any ties to terrorism, he did guide authorities to three of his kids, who were convicted in 2018 for holding 11 children captive in New Mexico and training them for potential terrorist acts.
Accompanying this was a cheerful selfie, which perhaps reflects a disconnect in how Mamdani treats his association with Wahhaj.
It’s interesting to note there seemed to be no pushback from Mamdani regarding Wahhaj’s well-known anti-gay rhetoric.
Yet, it appears Mamdani’s supporters within the Muslim community may overlook this, even while he advocates for the decriminalization of prostitution.
The alliance between some elements of the global left and Islamic extremists often raises eyebrows. Their shared disdain for Western freedoms, like free speech and markets, is striking—but seemingly sufficient for a partnership of sorts.
One might wonder, at this point, if Mamdani would consider befriending someone involved in the 9/11 plot if it were possible.
On Sunday, he avoided elaborating on Wahhaj during a Q&A, maintaining his trademark smile instead. It seems he believes that charm alone might carry him all the way to the mayor’s office.
If he turns out to be correct in his assumptions, New York’s moderate majority may face an arduous four years ahead.
