New York City mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani is facing backlash after participating in the “Gaza 5K” over the weekend, a charity run supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which has been heavily criticised for ties to Hamas.
Mamdani posted a photo of himself taking part in the fundraiser on social media, writing that he was proud to support the cause. But netizens accused him of raising money for a group that has been linked to the deadly October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel.
Stefanik and others blast Mamdani
North Country Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, who has announced plans to run for governor, led the charge against Mamdani and also tore into Gov. Kathy Hochul for her support of the Democratic mayoral hopeful.
“On the eve of all the living hostages held by Hamas terrorists finally returning home, @KathyHochul endorsed the Antisemitic Communist NYC Mayor candidate is raising funds for an organization that participated in the October 7th terrorist attacks and brutally held hostages captive,” Stefanik wrote on X.
“Do not let the pro-Hamas jihadis win and destroy NY! FIRE HOCHUL.”
Why is UNRWA under scrutiny?
UNRWA came under intense scrutiny after it was revealed that several of its employees had allegedly taken part in the Oct. 7 attacks. Israel claimed that 12 UNRWA workers were involved. 10 were fired, and the other two were confirmed dead.
A subsequent November 2024 report by the Israeli NGO IMPACT-se found that over 10% of the agency’s main and senior education staff in Gaza were affiliated with either Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Zohran Mamdani on Israel-Hamas ceasefire
Mamdani has long been an outspoken critic of Israeli policy toward Palestinians, and his recent comments following a temporary ceasefire only added fuel to the fire.
“Today’s scenes of Israelis and Palestinians are profoundly moving: Israeli hostages being freed and families reunited after years of fear, uncertainty, and torture; the first days in Gaza without relentless Israeli bombardment of Palestinians as families return to rubble and loved ones freed from detention,” he posted on X.
He added, “There is finally a glimmer of hope that this ceasefire will hold and the long, difficult work of reconstruction can begin.”
‘I can’t believe New Yorkers are going to vote for the enemy’
Netizens slammed Mamdani over this issue. A user noted, “I can’t believe New Yorkers are going to vote for the enemy.” Another asked, “Why is he funding the terrorists.” “Dude is accepting illegal foreign campaign funds. Somebody needs to Santos him asap!!!,” added a user. “He can’t send money directly to Hamas, so @UNRWA is the preferred proxy,” claimed another user. “The dude is bad for New York, but maybe it’s just what the doctor ordered to make the Dems see their error of judgement in technicolor,” added another.
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