New York City First Lady Rama Duwaji, an illustrator, played a significant role in a recent Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) campaign aimed at influencing local elections and advocating for policies critical of Israel. The campaign, dubbed “PalestineOnTheBallot.com,” actively promoted candidates who pledged to distance themselves from funding provided by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and support a bill targeting pro-Israel charities. This involvement raises questions about the extent of Duwaji’s political activism and her husband, Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s, previous statements characterizing her as a private citizen.
Duwaji created the artwork for the DSA’s digital campaign, which included a TikTok video explaining the initiative and directing voters to a website where they could assess candidates’ positions on issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The campaign specifically highlighted the “Not on Our Dime Act,” a proposed bill that would potentially penalize or dissolve charities supporting what it terms “Israeli settler violence.” The DSA’s efforts coincided with the 2024 Democratic primaries, and the organization was the first to formally endorse Mamdani’s mayoral run, according to the New York Post.
The “PalestineOnTheBallot.com” website encouraged volunteers to support the campaign of former Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a vocal critic of Israel who ultimately lost his re-election bid to George Latimer. The DSA campaign materials, featuring Duwaji’s illustrations, urged voters to research candidates’ stances on issues such as a ceasefire in Gaza, ending subsidies for what they termed “Israeli war crimes,” and their relationship with AIPAC. The TikTok video, prominently displaying Duwaji’s credit as the illustrator, can be viewed here.
A Pattern of Public Engagement
This revelation comes after previous reports detailed Duwaji’s past social media activity, including liking posts that appeared to downplay the severity of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and expressing support for Palestinian militants. The New York Post reported on these instances, sparking criticism from pro-Israel advocates. Further scrutiny revealed Duwaji as well provided illustrations for an author accused of antisemitism, as detailed in another report.
The extent of Duwaji’s involvement in the DSA campaign directly contradicts Mayor Mamdani’s recent assertions that his wife is a “private person” who should be exempt from public scrutiny. He made these comments earlier this month following the initial reports regarding her social media activity. Critics, including Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism and a former New York State Assemblyman, have dismissed Mamdani’s claim as disingenuous. “Does anybody believe she’s a private citizen?” Hikind asked, according to the New York Post.
Concerns Over Rhetoric and Policy
Hikind characterized both Mamdani and Duwaji as holding “vile hatred” towards Israel and the Jewish people, labeling them “radical Islamists.” He argued that Duwaji’s involvement in the DSA campaign demonstrates a deeper, more active commitment to anti-Israel activism than previously acknowledged. Mamdani himself has faced criticism for his own positions, including his support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) considers a form of antisemitism. The ADL states that BDS seeks to delegitimize Israel and damage its economy.
Mamdani has publicly stated he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he were to visit New York City, alleging that Netanyahu is a war criminal. He reiterated accusations of “genocide” in Gaza during a St. Patrick’s Day event, just days after meeting with Orthodox Jewish leaders and pledging to address antisemitism within the city, as reported by the New York Post.
The “Not on Our Dime Act”
The DSA campaign’s focus on the “Not on Our Dime Act” highlights a specific legislative target. The bill aims to prevent charitable funds from being used to support “Israeli settler violence” in the West Bank. Supporters argue it’s a necessary measure to hold accountable organizations enabling harmful activities, whereas critics contend it could stifle legitimate charitable work and unfairly target Israel. The bill, initially sponsored by Mamdani when he was a state assemblyman, remains a point of contention.
Neither Mamdani nor Duwaji have issued a direct response to the recent reports regarding her artwork for the DSA campaign. The situation continues to draw scrutiny from both pro-Israel groups and those concerned about the potential for antisemitism within political discourse. The controversy underscores the increasingly polarized debate surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on American politics.
The Mayor’s office has not responded to requests for comment. The next scheduled public appearance for Mayor Mamdani is a town hall meeting on April 5th, where he is expected to address concerns about rising antisemitism in New York City. This event will likely be a focal point for further questions regarding his and his wife’s positions on the issues raised by the DSA campaign and her involvement.
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