Zohran Mamdani defends wife amid scrutiny over her 'support' for Palestinian cause

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Mamdani drew a clear distinction between his responsibilities as mayor and the personal views expressed by his spouse. 

The controversy emerged after reports highlighted several Instagram posts that Duwaji had liked shortly after the attacks carried out by Hamas.

According to Israeli authorities, the assault resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, while 251 individuals were taken hostage. 

Israel responded with large-scale military operations in the Gaza Strip that have reportedly killed more than 70,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry.

'Wife’s views are private'

Mamdani argued that his wife’s personal views should not be subjected to broad public scrutiny, emphasising that she holds no formal role in his administration.

“My wife is the love of my life, and she is also a private person who has held no formal position on my campaign or in my City Hall,” Mamdani said.

He added that his responsibilities differ because he serves as the elected leader of the city. 

“I was elected to represent all eight and a half million people in this city, and I believe it is my responsibility to answer questions about my thoughts, policies and decisions,” he said.

The mayor also noted that the social media activity in question occurred before their marriage. 

Mamdani and Duwaji married in early 2025, while his campaign for mayor began later, when he entered the Democratic primary race in October 2024.

Instagram posts spark political attention

The controversy gained attention after an article by Jewish Insider highlighted several Instagram posts that Duwaji had liked immediately after the October 7 attacks.

One of the posts came from The Slow Factory, a social justice organisation. 

Shared on the day of the attacks, the post displayed an image of a bulldozer appearing to break through the barrier separating Israel and Gaza. 

The caption described it as “breaking the walls of apartheid and military occupation”.

Duwaji, who is Syrian-American, reportedly liked the post but did not comment on it. 

A spokesperson for City Hall later said she had no public statement regarding the matter.

Another example cited in the report showed a post depicting people celebrating on top of what appeared to be an Israeli military vehicle alongside the phrase “Free Palestine”. 

Other posts she liked described resistance by occupied populations as an act of self-defence and a fundamental human right.

Mamdani’s views on Gaza

Mamdani, the first Muslim mayor of New York City and a democratic socialist, has long expressed criticism of Israeli policies and strong support for Palestinian rights.

His political stance on the conflict in Gaza has played a central role in his public career. 

Mamdani has described the ongoing war in Gaza as genocide and has also questioned the concept of Israel functioning as a Jewish state.

These positions became a major point of contention during the mayoral race. 

His main rival, Andrew Cuomo, along with a supporting super PAC, spent significant campaign resources on advertisements that suggested Mamdani’s views were antisemitic.

Mamdani’s position has been 'consistent'

Supporters argue that Mamdani’s stance on the conflict has remained consistent and transparent throughout his political career.

Sophie Ellman-Golan, director of strategic communications at Jews For Racial & Economic Justice, said Mamdani has repeatedly called for peace and safety for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Ellman-Golan noted that Mamdani has advocated for a ceasefire while expressing grief for victims on both sides of the conflict.

“He has been outspoken in calling for a ceasefire and freedom and safety for Palestinians and Israelis alike,” Ellman-Golan said. 

She added that Mamdani has also mourned those killed in the October 7 attacks as well as the tens of thousands of Palestinians killed in the subsequent war.

Political scrutiny

Following Mamdani’s election victory, the Anti-Defamation League launched a website called “Mamdani Monitor” to track the new administration for actions it believes could be considered antisemitic.

The organisation said the initiative was necessary due to what it described as Mamdani’s “long, disturbing record on issues of deep concern to the Jewish community”. 

A spokesperson declined to comment specifically on Duwaji’s social media activity.

Debate over spouses' political roles

Questions surrounding the political actions of spouses have surfaced in other recent cases as well. 

Earlier this week, reporting revealed that Corinne Levy Goldman, the wife of New York Representative Daniel Goldman, had liked or reposted content from several right-wing social media accounts.

Some observers criticised those posts as insensitive towards Palestinians and Black communities. 

Unlike Duwaji, however, Corinne Levy Goldman plays an official role in her husband’s political operations as campaign treasurer.

Ellman-Golan argued that the two cases should not be compared.

She said it was already well known that Duwaji supports Palestinian rights and emphasised that she had no formal involvement in Mamdani’s political campaign.

According to Ellman-Golan, the mayor’s commitment remains focused on governing for all residents of New York City, including its Jewish community.