New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is under scrutiny after reports revealed that his wife, Rama Duwaji, liked several Instagram posts celebrating Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The posts, highlighted by Jewish Insider, included images of groups taking over an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) vehicle and messages supporting Palestinian resistance.
Key Takeaways
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed criticism after his wife liked Instagram posts celebrating Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel. The mayor emphasized his wife's privacy and his commitment to representing all New Yorkers.
- NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, liked Instagram posts supporting Hamas' October 7 attack
- Mamdani clarified that his wife is a private individual with no official role in his administration
- The mayor condemned Hamas and the violence of the October 7 attack during a press conference
The mayor addressed the controversy during a press conference on Friday, describing his wife as a 'private person' who has held no formal position in his campaign or City Hall. Mamdani emphasized that while he was elected to represent all 8.5 million people of New York City, his wife's social media activity should not reflect on his official stance.
One of the posts liked by Duwaji featured images from the attack, including a bulldozer used to breach the barrier between Gaza and Israel. Another post called for a protest against Israel, with slogans such as 'FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA, PALESTINE WILL BE FREE!' According to reports, Duwaji's account no longer appears to like these posts after the story went live.
A spokesperson for Mamdani reiterated his consistent condemnation of Hamas and the October 7 attack. 'Mayor Mamdani has been clear and consistent: Hamas is a terrorist organization, October 7th was a horrific war crime, and he has condemned that violence unequivocally,' the spokesperson stated.
Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor, has previously faced criticism for his support of the Palestinian cause. During his inauguration, he pledged to govern as a democratic socialist and implement policies such as free daycare, free buses across the city, and a millionaire tax. Critics have warned that these policies could drive out the super-rich, whose taxes fund public services in New York City.
In addition to his political stance on Palestine, Mamdani has been known for his anti-Trump rhetoric. He has promised to offer expansive governance and audacious policies, aiming to set high expectations for his administration.
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