New York City’s First Lady, Rama Duwaji, the wife of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, is facing renewed scrutiny following reports of past social media activity that appears to celebrate individuals and groups associated with Palestinian terrorism. The resurfaced posts, dating back over a decade, have ignited controversy and prompted calls for comment from City Hall. The controversy comes at a sensitive time, as global tensions remain high following the October 7th attacks on Israel by Hamas and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The reports, initially highlighted by the Washington Free Beacon, detail a series of posts from Duwaji’s now-inactive Tumblr account. These posts, reportedly made whereas she was living in the Middle East, allegedly express support for Leila Khaled, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) known for her involvement in aircraft hijackings in 1969 and 1970. The PFLP is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, and other governments. The posts also reportedly include imagery and statements sympathetic to the broader Palestinian cause, but critics argue the specific individuals and groups lauded demonstrate a troubling alignment with violent extremism.
The timing of these revelations adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Just last week, reports surfaced indicating Duwaji had “liked” an Instagram post celebrating the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of hundreds more. She also reportedly liked a post dismissing claims of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas during the attacks as a “mass hoax.” These actions have drawn condemnation from elected officials and advocacy groups, who accuse her of insensitivity and support for terrorism. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has been particularly vocal in its criticism, calling for a clear denunciation of terrorism from both Duwaji and Mayor Mamdani. The ADL is a leading anti-hate organization that combats antisemitism and all forms of bigotry.
Early Social Media Activity Under Scrutiny
According to the Washington Free Beacon’s review, in September 2017, Duwaji posted a photograph of Leila Khaled alongside a quote attributed to the hijacker: “If it does decent for my cause, I’d be happy to accept death.” Khaled’s involvement in the 1969 hijacking of TWA Flight 840 and the 1970 hijacking of El Al Flight 219 resulted in injuries and international condemnation. The PFLP, of which Khaled was a prominent member, has been responsible for numerous acts of violence against both Israeli and Western targets over the decades. The group’s ideology centers on the armed struggle against Israel and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Further examination of Duwaji’s past online activity, as reported by the Free Beacon, reveals a 2015 repost blaming “white people” for the creation of al-Qaeda. The post asserted that “Muslims didn’t construct, fund nor train Al-Qaeda,” shifting responsibility to Western actors. This statement reflects a broader narrative of Western culpability for the rise of extremist groups, a viewpoint often found in anti-imperialist discourse. Al-Qaeda, founded by Osama bin Laden, is responsible for the September 11th attacks and numerous other terrorist atrocities worldwide. The organization is designated as a terrorist group by the United Nations and many countries.
The reports also highlight a 2015 Twitter post in which Duwaji allegedly referred to Tel Aviv as a city that “shouldn’t exist in the first place,” labeling its residents as “occupiers.” This statement reflects a critical stance towards Israel’s presence in the region and its control over territories claimed by Palestinians. The status of Jerusalem and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain highly contentious issues, with both sides claiming historical and religious ties to the land. The New York Post reported Duwaji used a racial slur in a 2013 tweet when she was 15 years old, further fueling the controversy.
Mamdani’s Response and Ongoing Debate
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has defended his wife, stating that she “has held no formal position on my campaign or in my City Hall” and arguing that her past social media activity should not be a subject of scrutiny. He has framed the criticism as a distraction from the key work of his administration. Mamdani, who has been a vocal critic of Israeli policies, has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He was first elected as a New York State Assemblyman in 2020, representing parts of Queens, and was subsequently elected Mayor of New York City in 2025.
However, critics argue that Duwaji’s views, even if expressed years ago, are relevant given her position as First Lady of New York City. They contend that her past statements demonstrate a lack of sensitivity towards victims of terrorism and a troubling sympathy for extremist ideologies. The controversy has sparked a broader debate about the responsibility of public figures to disavow harmful rhetoric and the extent to which past actions should influence public perception. Several prominent Republican lawmakers have called for Duwaji to apologize for her past posts and for Mayor Mamdani to address the issue more directly.
The New York Post reported that City Hall did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the latest revelations. This lack of responsiveness has further fueled criticism and accusations of a cover-up. The incident underscores the challenges faced by public officials in navigating the complexities of social media and the potential for past online activity to resurface and create political challenges. The case also highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by individuals associated with political leaders, particularly in the context of sensitive geopolitical issues.
Verification Challenges and Independent Confirmation
the New York Post itself acknowledged it was “unable to independently verify the account or posts” attributed to Duwaji. This raises questions about the authenticity of the material and the reliability of the claims. While the Washington Free Beacon claims to have linked the posts to Duwaji using facial recognition technology, the accuracy of such technology can be debated. Facial recognition systems are known to be prone to errors, particularly when dealing with images of lower quality or taken from different angles.
Despite the verification challenges, the allegations have gained traction and prompted widespread discussion. The controversy underscores the importance of critical thinking and the need to carefully evaluate information before accepting it as fact. It also highlights the potential for social media to be used to spread misinformation and to amplify divisive narratives. The incident serves as a reminder of the enduring power of online content and the lasting consequences of digital footprints.
Looking Ahead
The controversy surrounding Rama Duwaji’s past social media activity is likely to continue in the coming days and weeks. Further investigation may be needed to independently verify the authenticity of the posts and to fully understand the context in which they were made. The situation is also likely to be a topic of discussion in the upcoming New York City mayoral debates and could potentially impact Mayor Mamdani’s political future. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for public officials and underscores the importance of responsible social media usage.
As of March 19, 2026, no official statement has been released by the Mayor’s office beyond the initial comments attributed to Mayor Mamdani. The City Council has not yet scheduled a hearing on the matter, but several council members have indicated they intend to raise the issue at the next meeting. The public is encouraged to follow developments in this story and to engage in respectful dialogue about the complex issues it raises.
We will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.