Discover Mamdani's advisory group, comprising a communist agitator and pro-Palestinian proponents
Zohran Mamdani, a socialist mayoral candidate in New York City, has been making waves in the political sphere with his progressive platform. However, recent reports have shed light on the individuals surrounding Mamdani, raising concerns about their past statements and associations.
Maya Handa, a campaign manager reportedly part of Mamdani's growing circle, was a top adviser to former Democratic Representative Jamaal Bowman, who has a long history of anti-Israel controversy. Handa's presence in Mamdani's team has sparked discussions about the candidate's stance on the issue.
Activist Faiza Ali, another member of Mamdani's reported inner circle, worked for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a group whose executive director, Nihad Awad, made comments supportive of Hamas attacks on Israel. Ali is also an acquaintance of and has been photographed with Linda Sarsour, a prominent anti-Israel activist labeled antisemitic for her past statements and actions.
Morris Katz, a senior advisor to Mamdani, has been critical of Israel on social media and described Benjamin Netanyahu as an existential threat to Israel's existence. Katz has also amplified a quote from Mamdani saying that Democrats supporting a ceasefire and an arms embargo are "rightfully outraged over Israel's killing of over 40,000 Palestinians."
Cea Weaver, part of Mamdani's advisory team, is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and advises Mamdani on housing issues. In the past, Weaver was the former coalitions director of Housing Justice for All, a group with ties to radical far-left groups, including the Communist Party of the United States of America and the New York Young Communist League. Weaver has also expressed supportive views of communism on social media.
Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition, which has ties to the Vera Institute for Justice and has received funding from the George Soros nonprofit network, is another member of Mamdani's advisers. Awawdeh has expressed controversial views, such as believing that illegal immigrants have a right to taxpayer-funded healthcare.
Notably, Sarsour has faced criticism for lauding Louis Farrakhan, objecting to the Jewish right to return to Israel, and calling for "jihad" against President Trump in 2017. She later claimed she was calling only for nonviolent dissent.
The controversy surrounding Mamdani's advisors and associates has caused concern among some New Yorkers, particularly within the Jewish community. NYC Councilwoman Inna Vernikov spoke about Mamdani's anti-Israel rhetoric causing fear in the Jewish community.
Patrick Gaspard, another Mamdani advisor, served as president of Soros's Open Society Foundations. Gaspard has been a staunch defender of Soros and has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Mamdani's plan to "freeze" rent has received strong pushback from many New Yorkers in the industry. The candidate's association with controversial figures and his controversial policies have led to a heated debate about his suitability for the mayoral position.
