NYC Mayor’s Wife Co-Hosting Retreat Framing Virgin Mary as Palestinian

The spouse of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Rama Duwaji, is set to co-host an Islamic women’s “spiritual wellness” retreat in Corsica. This retreat intriguingly presents the Virgin Mary as a “Palestinian woman” living under occupation.

The Women’s Sanctuary website describes Mary as significant in Islamic texts—being the only woman named in the Qur’an, where she is mentioned 34 times. The site notes that her story isn’t just that of motherhood but also one of deep faith and dedication.

Mary, revered in Christianity as the Mother of Jesus, also holds a special place in Islam as Maryam. Mamdani, known for his Democratic socialist views, has stirred discussion with his pro-Palestinian stance and radical immigration policies. When he took office in early 2026, he was the first mayor of NYC to be sworn in on a Qur’an. His wife, a Syrian American artist, has similarly been under fire for her outspoken views.

Recently, Duwaji was reported to have attended a sold-out retreat in Mallorca, Spain, for The Women’s Sanctuary, where she served as the “artist in residence.” A local councilwoman commented on her absence from America’s 250th celebrations, suggesting that it reflected her apparent disdain for the nation.

The Women’s Sanctuary refers to itself as a retreat organization steeped in Islamic tradition, focusing on spiritual renewal in beautiful Mediterranean settings. Interestingly, while the current event details don’t explicitly list Duwaji as a co-host, reports indicate she will collaborate on the “Mary In The Quran” retreat scheduled from Thursday until July 14, with fees starting at over $4,000.

As per previous reports, Duwaji was seen boarding a flight to Mallorca on a holiday weekend, which caught the attention of social media. During the French retreat, attendees can expect farm-to-table meals, communal prayers, and various spiritual activities, blending structured guidance with personal reflection time.

Duwaji, who made headlines previously for controversial posts during her teenage years, issued an apology in April, stating her regret for any hurt caused, without detailing which specific posts she meant. Reports had indicated her sharing of anti-Israel sentiment on social media.

In the wake of July 4 celebrations, Mamdani expressed strong views against ICE and other topics during his address, continuing to resonate within political discussions.