Mahmood Mamdani, who is the father of New York City mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, serves on the advisory board of organizations that advocate for boycotts and sanctions against Israel. He has openly criticized the Israeli government, using severe terms such as “genocide,” and has shown sympathy toward actions like suicide bombings.
Founded in London in 2024, the Gaza Court of Justice aims to mobilize civil society to address what they describe as an “Israeli massacre in Gaza.” The court’s website includes a reference to Mahmood Mamdani as part of its “Advisory Policy Council,” and he participated in the group’s official launch last year.
Richard Faulk, the court’s president, indicated that their support extends to the BDS movement, which seeks global actions against Israel. “The court legitimizes and promotes solidarity initiatives like BDS,” he stated in an online post.
Writings from the university where Mamdani works have been revealed to endorse anti-Israel boycotts and to criticize “white privilege.” BDS, or Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions, is described as a campaign portraying Israel as a colonial entity. Zohran Mamdani has been reticent about recognizing Israel’s right to exist and has previously endorsed BDS, claiming it aligns with his political beliefs.
Mahmood Mamdani, who is a professor at Columbia University, recently faced backlash for past comments expressing a nuanced understanding of suicide bombings. In his book, he characterizes them as a feature of contemporary political violence, arguing for a recognition of those who carry them out as soldiers.
Many members of the Gaza Court have strong connections to the anti-Israel movement, including individuals who have faced deportation from the US due to terrorist affiliations. Faulk has previously been accused of disseminating baseless accusations against Israel during his time as a UN rapporteur, likening Israel to a colonial power.
Faulk has also made inflammatory comparisons, suggesting that the Israeli government resembles the Nazis and has used language such as “Palestinian Holocaust” to describe their actions. This has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including diplomatic representatives.
In New York’s mayoral primary, notable figures like Mahmood Mamdani have backed candidates, raising eyebrows about their political ramifications. Faulk defended the Mamdani family, asserting they respect international law and advocate for human rights.
Notably, Dr. Hatem Bazian, known for controversial statements against Israel, has affiliations with the Gaza Court. He has called for a “intifada” in the U.S., igniting fears of escalating violence against Jews and raising concerns regarding incitement on social media.
Former professor Sami Al Arian, who had ties to Palestinian terrorist groups, also attended the court’s launch. His problematic background has drawn scrutiny, yet he expressed pride in highlighting alleged Israeli aggression.
Jeremy Corbyn, a former leader of the UK Labour Party often labeled as anti-Semitic, is another figure associated with the Gaza Court. Under his leadership, the party faced allegations regarding mishandling anti-Semitism complaints, and public sentiment strongly indicated distrust towards him among Jewish communities.
Zohran Mamdani’s views on Israel have been a prominent subject throughout her mayoral campaign, marked by her refusal to denounce phrases linked to Palestinian uprisings. Critics in New York, especially from Jewish organizations, have taken issue with her past comments and affiliations.
