Rama Dowaj: The Young Future First Lady of New York
Rama Dowaj, the shy wife of mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, shares a monthly list of inspirations for her artwork. As Mamdani gears up for his official swearing-in on October 9, he cites influences like the relief work on the Grand Central Terminal facade and designs from the 1805 Jacquard loom.
A few days ago, Dowaj, 28, originally from Texas and of Syrian heritage, surprised her followers with a post on Instagram that diverged from her usual artistic reflections. In that post, she shared four heartbroken emojis alongside a photo of Saleh al-Jafarawi, a known terrorist propagandist killed by an anti-Hamas militia in Gaza City earlier this month.
Responding to Dowaj’s post, someone commented, “My beloved Jafarawi.” When Mamdani takes office in January, Dowaj will become the youngest first lady in New York City’s history.
Beyond her sympathy for al-Jafarawi, who praised the recent attack that resulted in significant casualties in Israel, Dowaj’s art often critiques “American imperialism” and expresses discontent with U.S. support for Israel.
One illustration from 2024 features a large pile of U.S. currency labeled “Israeli war crimes.” Mamdani remarked that New York charities funnel over $60 million annually into what he views as Israeli war crimes, encouraging supporters to voice their dissent to elected officials.
Another earlier work depicts two women and a child amid smoke from a far-off plane, with a caption hinting at enduring American imperialism. Dowaj’s art, including recently shared animated clips, highlights the plight of Palestine, portraying stark imagery of starvation and desperation.
Despite keeping a relatively low profile during Mamdani’s campaign, she has not shied away from expressing her pro-Palestinian and anti-American sentiments. Raised partly in a modest home in New Jersey, she attended college in the U.S. where her mother, Baria Dardari, worked as a pediatrician.
Dardari, who has led numerous humanitarian missions to areas affected by conflict, is an influential figure in the medical field. Dowaj’s family life, including her father’s earlier marriage, paints a complex picture that adds depth to her identity.
After returning to America post-teenage years spent in Dubai, Dowaj studied illustration in New York City. She met Mamdani through a dating app shortly after moving there. Their casual City Hall wedding was complemented by celebrations in Dubai and Uganda.
Duwaj has gained increased visibility in the fashion world, where her style has received admiration. Some have even likened her to modern icons like Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn. During Mamdani’s victory speech, she wore a designer ensemble that echoed an elegant connection to her heritage.
Though Dowaj is not often in the spotlight, it’s noted that she plays a substantial role behind the scenes, helping to shape Mamdani’s brand and social media presence. He has publicly acknowledged her artistry, expressing a desire for her talents to be recognized independently.
Her illustrations have appeared in various notable publications, reflecting a consistent focus on community and the surrounding socio-political climate. In her own words, she views her voice as pivotal in addressing issues not only in America but also in Palestine and Syria, aiming to amplify the voices of those often silenced.
