Mar 23, 2026 minute read

New York City First Lady Rama Duwaji was actively involved in a Democratic Socialist campaign promoting anti-Israel candidates and legislation targeting pro-Israel charities, as scrutiny over her past continues to grow.

According to The New York Post, Duwaji, 28, created artwork for the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) as part of its “PalestineOnTheBallot.com” campaign, an initiative aimed at boosting candidates in Democratic primaries who were critical of Israel.

The campaign encouraged voters to support candidates who didn’t receive funding from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and who backed the “Not on Our Dime Act,” a bill sponsored by her husband, then–state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. The legislation sought to penalize or dissolve registered charities accused of supporting Israeli “settler violence.”

Duwaji, a professional illustrator, was credited for animation and graphics used in campaign materials shared across TikTok and Instagram. One video urged voters to examine where candidates stood on issues such as a ceasefire in Gaza, US support for Israel, and AIPAC funding. “Palestine is on the ballot,” the campaign stated, directing users to input their address and support “pro-Palestinian socialists.” The website also promoted former Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a critic of Israel who ultimately lost his Democratic primary race.

The revelation comes as Duwaji faces mounting criticism over a series of resurfaced social media posts. Previously, it was revealed that Duwaji shared content praising members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a US-designated terrorist organization. In one 2017 post, she uploaded an image of plane hijacker Leila Khaled alongside a quote expressing willingness to die for a cause.

She also reposted content praising other PFLP-linked figures, shared imagery tied to the First Intifada, and circulated posts describing Palestinian militants as “resistance” fighters. Other posts included sharp criticism of the United States military. In a 2015 repost, American troops were described as “not brave” and accused of harming civilians in “imperialist wars.” Another post attributed the creation of al Qaeda to “white people.”

In their coverage of Duwaji’s social media, they did not mention the most vile instances of her racism or suicide-bomber advocacy.

Duwaji also amplified anti-Israel rhetoric, including posts claiming Tel Aviv “shouldn’t exist” and accusing Israel of genocide. Additionally, a 2013 post showed Duwaji using a racial slur while interacting with another user when she was 15 years old. More recently, reports indicated that Duwaji had liked Instagram posts related to Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, including one that dismissed reports of sexual violence as a “mass rape hoax.” Amid growing backlash, Duwaji deleted her old X account, but her Instagram account, which has approximately 2 million followers, remains active.

Mayor Mamdani has defended his wife, stating that she is a private individual without an official role in his administration. Mamdani has also drawn criticism for his positions on Israel. He has expressed support for the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement and has accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza. He has also said he would seek to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he were to visit New York.
 

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