Controversy Surrounds Zoran Mamdani’s Transition Team Member
A notable figure on Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani’s transition team has drawn attention for a series of inflammatory social media posts expressing hostility towards Jews and Israel, as well as expressing skepticism about gay rights. These posts, some of which go back a decade, have sparked significant backlash.
Hassan Chaudhary, who lists his role on LinkedIn as the political director of Mamdani’s transition and launch committee, has used derogatory language regarding Jews and has praised the former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad—known for his notorious comments about Israel, labeling it as “a cancer that will soon be eradicated.”
Chaudhary, who played a key role in Mamdani’s outreach to Muslim communities, referred to Israel as a “bloody country” and a “savage country” in various posts, some dating back to when he was just 18.
Recently, he reshared a post targeting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is a pro-Israel Jewish Democrat. The original post suggested that Shapiro would have rewarded someone for violence against a child in Gaza.
On February 9, 2012, Chaudhary made a disconcerting comment directed at Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi, referencing Hitler and concluding with a derogatory remark about Jews in Urdu.
In another instance, he expressed admiration for Ahmadinejad, calling him “fearless.” Furthermore, Chaudhary criticized media coverage of Israel, describing it as a “barbaric state” that harms innocent Palestinians while also suggesting that pro-Palestinian resolutions were detrimental to peace.
In November 2012, he voiced his thoughts on gay rights, dismissing the topic as “pure claptrap” and feeling that “the line has to be drawn somewhere.”
Chaudhary later issued an apology, clarifying that his past remarks do not reflect his current beliefs. He expressed regret, stating, “These comments from more than a decade ago are not consistent with my worldview.”
Jewish activists weighed in on the situation, asserting that Chaudhary’s comments contained anti-Semitic undertones. Dov Hikind, a former congressman, described the remarks as aligned with anti-Semitism, expressing concern over Mamdani’s support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel.
Hikind criticized the overall atmosphere, saying Mamdani is cultivating a “hate-filled regime.” Another political consultant emphasized the seriousness of Chaudhary’s words, questioning the implications of his views.
A spokesperson from Mamdani’s transition team distanced the mayor-elect from Chaudhary’s comments, stating that they do not reflect Mamdani’s views. They stressed that the remarks were unacceptable and reiterated their position against such rhetoric.
The spokesperson did not, however, indicate any consequences for Chaudhary’s past statements. Previously, he held positions as a senior community organizer for Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and worked as a digital organizer for the Working Families Party.
