Zoran Mamdani’s Mayoral Campaign and Controversial Associations
Zoran Mamdani, leading in the upcoming mayoral election, often sidesteps inquiries about his stance on Hamas. In a recent interview, he refrained from stating whether terrorist organizations should disarm and step down from their Gaza leadership, mentioning he has no particular views on the futures of Hamas and Israel beyond matters of justice and security.
However, scrutiny of his affiliations suggests that he and his spouse, Rama Duwaj, have backed Muslim “extremists,” some linked to terrorism.
Imam Shirazi Wahhaj
Last week, Mamdani campaigned alongside Imam Shirazi Wahhaj, a Brooklyn imam with a controversial past, having been an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombings and previously acted as a witness for terrorist figure Omar Abdelrahman. The bombing resulted in the death of six individuals.
Wahhaj has also called for “jihad” within New York City and has a history of making homophobic remarks. In a sermon from 2017, he referred to homosexuality as a “disease” and instructed his followers to “protect themselves from homosexuals.”
After last week’s mayoral debate, Mamdani campaigned with Imam Wahhaj and city council member Youssef Salam, expressing his appreciation for the imam on X.
Notably, Wahhaj’s son Siraj was convicted on terrorism charges in 2024, while two of his daughters faced convictions for kidnapping and manslaughter linked to a New Mexico compound, where they was accused of stockpiling weapons and discussing jihad.
Mamdani attempted to rationalize his association with Wahhaj by arguing that previous mayors, including Michael Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio, had also met with him. Bloomberg expressed regret over meeting Wahhaj and stated he would have refused the handshake had he known of Wahhaj’s background. De Blasio attended Wahhaj’s mosque in 2021, but it’s unclear if they interacted.
Additionally, Mamdani was seen with anti-gay politician Rebecca Kadaga, known for advocating severe penalties against homosexuals, after her Democratic primary win in July.
A spokesperson for Mamdani has not commented on these issues, and attempts to reach Wahhaj for a statement were unsuccessful.
Linda Sarsour
Controversial activist Linda Sarsour recently contributed $2,100 to Mamdani’s campaign. Her organization, MPower Action, backed Mamdani and played a role in engaging Muslim voters in New York.
Sarsour is known for her support of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel and has faced accusations of anti-Semitism. Both she and Mamdani, who is aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America, have campaigned for Rasmere Odeh, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, who was convicted of a bombing in Israel decades ago.
Anwar Al Awlaki
Mamdani has also critiqued the FBI’s surveillance strategies on al-Qaida operatives, including Anwar al-Awlaki, who was killed by a U.S. drone strike in Yemen. Mamdani questioned why there hasn’t been deeper scrutiny into the FBI’s investigations into al-Awlaki’s life, who had links to the 9/11 hijackers and inspired other violent acts.
Holy Land Foundation
In 2017, Mamdani expressed admiration for the leaders of the Holy Land Relief and Development Foundation in a rap song titled “Salam.” This organization was linked to significant financial support for Hamas, resulting in legal action in the past.
The Boim family, whose son was a victim of Hamas, has been vocal against Mamdani’s support for the foundation, questioning how New Yorkers could elect someone who praises figures tied to terrorists.
Mr. Saleh Al Jafarawi (Mr. FAFO)
Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaj, mourned the death of Saleh al-Jafarawi, a Gaza-based influencer who celebrated the October 7 terrorist attack that killed many Israelis, posting a tribute filled with heart emojis on her social media.
Hadiqa Arzoo Malik
Hadiqa Arzoo Malik, a former intern for Mamdani, gained attention for physically confronting a Muslim police officer during pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Her social media content suggests a fervent commitment to jihad, showcasing her determination despite potential fallout from her activities.
Malik formerly led Students for Justice in Palestine at CUNY and has shared provocative anti-Israel messages through various platforms.
