Controversy Surrounding Zoran Mamdani’s Fundraiser

Zoran Mamdani, the leading candidate for mayor, faced backlash after raising funds for the notorious United Nations relief agency, which reportedly has connections to Hamas. This activity drew criticism from Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, who is also gearing up for a gubernatorial run next year.

Stefanik didn’t hold back in her criticism of Governor Kathy Hochul, calling her an “anti-Semite” for supporting Mamdani. “Just as hostages held by Hamas are returning home, @KathyHochul is backing an anti-Semitic candidate who is raising money for the organization involved in the October 7th attacks,” she expressed her outrage on social media.

“Don’t let the pro-Hamas jihadis win and destroy New York! Eliminate Hochul!” she added emphatically.

Mamdani shared images of himself participating in the “New York City Gaza 5K,” a fundraising event for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). He praised the UNRWA for its humanitarian efforts, claiming it “provides critical aid to Palestinians in Gaza.”

However, following the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, investigations revealed that some individuals involved in the attack had connections to UNRWA. Reports suggest that ten out of twelve UNRWA staff members implicated in the incident were dismissed after being accused of participating in the violence.

A November 2024 report indicated that over ten percent of UNRWA’s senior education staff in Gaza were affiliated with Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

In 2023, the U.S. contributed $154 million to UNRWA. However, after returning to the White House, former President Trump withdrew funding from the agency amid rising tensions.

On a personal note, Mamdani’s wife publicly mourned the death of Saleh al-Jafarawi, a Palestinian influencer who had praised the October 7 attacks. She shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram, further complicating the narrative surrounding Mamdani.

Mamdani had organized the Gaza 5K just hours before the last of the Israeli hostages were released, as a ceasefire was established between Israel and Hamas, in part due to efforts led by President Trump.

Stefanik has emerged as a vocal pro-Israel representative in Congress and has strongly opposed Mamdani, who received an endorsement from Hochul last month. Others, like former Trump administration officials, also criticized Mamdani’s association with UNRWA, calling it a support for terrorism.

The political maneuvering continues as the gubernatorial elections draw near, with accusations flying and tensions escalating on both sides.