Listen to the article
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is endorsing Palestinian-American activist Aber Kawas for a state assembly seat in Queens, drawing scrutiny over Kawas’s past comments about the September 11 terrorist attacks.
The endorsement was disclosed during a closed-door Democratic Socialists of America meeting in Manhattan last week, according to a report from the New York Daily News. Sam McCann, a top political adviser to Mamdani’s transition team, told attendees, “Mamdani told me that while he has tremendous respect for everyone in this race, he has said that he will support Aber in whatever she pursues.”
Kawas is reportedly seeking DSA support to run for the 34th Assembly District seat in Queens, which is being vacated by Assemblywoman Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas. Gonzalez-Rojas plans to challenge State Senator Jessica Ramos, shifting the political landscape in the borough.
The endorsement has raised concerns due to controversial statements made by Kawas in the past. In a video clip circulating on social media, Kawas described 9/11 as a terror attack that “a couple of people did” and suggested it was part of a larger system of oppression.
“The system of capitalism and racism and white supremacy and Islamophobia have all been used to colonize lands, to take resources from other people, and so this is a long trajectory and we’re just seeing the manifestations of that continuation with 9/11,” Kawas stated in the recording.
She further added, “The idea we have to apologize for a terror attack that a couple of people did and then there is no apology or reparations for genocides and for slavery is something I find reprehensible.”
Kawas has been an organizer within New York City’s Arab and Muslim communities since 2010, according to the New York Post. Reports indicate she has connections to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an organization that has faced accusations of having ties to Hamas. Just this week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation designating CAIR as a “foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organization,” highlighting the contentious nature of these associations.
This endorsement comes at a time when Mamdani himself has been under increased scrutiny. The mayor-elect, who ran on a progressive platform with support from the Democratic Socialists of America, has already faced questions about statements he made during his campaign. Recently, Mamdani was forced to clarify details regarding an anecdote about Islamophobia that he shared during his campaign.
Mamdani’s victory in the mayoral race marked a significant shift in New York City politics. As the first Democratic Socialist to be elected mayor of America’s largest city, his policy positions and political associations have drawn both enthusiastic support from progressives and concerns from moderates and conservatives.
The decision to back Kawas adds another layer of complexity to Mamdani’s political positioning as he prepares to take office. It signals his continued alignment with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, particularly on issues related to foreign policy and representation for Muslim and Arab Americans.
Neither Mamdani nor Kawas have issued public statements addressing the endorsement or responding to the criticism surrounding Kawas’s past comments about 9/11.
The special election for the 34th Assembly District has not yet been scheduled, but the race is expected to draw significant attention given the involvement of prominent progressive figures and the district’s diverse demographics.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
18 Comments
While everyone is entitled to their views, Kawas’s comments on 9/11 seem to minimize the gravity of that tragic event. As leaders, Mamdani and Kawas should be mindful of the impact their words can have on the community.
I agree. Downplaying 9/11 is highly insensitive and could be seen as disrespectful to the victims and their families. They should reconsider this endorsement and focus on uniting the community, not dividing it.
The mining and energy sectors are closely watching this political development, as it could signal shifting priorities and policies in the region. Consistent, thoughtful leadership is crucial for these important industries.
Absolutely. Any instability or uncertainty around political leadership can have ripple effects across the commodities markets. Maintaining a stable, pro-business environment is key.
This is a concerning endorsement, given Kawas’s past comments downplaying the tragedy of 9/11. While everyone is entitled to their views, I hope Mamdani and Kawas will carefully consider the impact of their words on the community.
I agree, 9/11 was a devastating attack that should not be minimized. Endorsing someone with such perspectives could be seen as insensitive to the victims and their families.
This endorsement raises some red flags for the mining and energy sectors. Consistent, level-headed leadership is crucial for maintaining a stable business environment. I hope Mamdani and Kawas will address these concerns head-on.
Absolutely. The commodities markets thrive on predictability and reliability. Any hint of political instability or divisiveness could have ripple effects across the industry.
While everyone is entitled to their views, Kawas’s comments on 9/11 are highly concerning and could be seen as insensitive to the victims and their families. As leaders, Mamdani and Kawas should be mindful of the impact their words can have on the community.
I agree. Downplaying such a tragic event is inappropriate, especially for someone seeking public office. They should reconsider this endorsement and focus on uniting the community, not dividing it.
While everyone is entitled to their views, Kawas’s comments on 9/11 are highly concerning and could be seen as insensitive. I hope Mamdani and Kawas will carefully consider the impact of their positions on the broader community.
Agreed. Downplaying such a tragic event is inappropriate, especially for someone seeking public office. They should reconsider this endorsement and focus on uniting the community, not dividing it.
This endorsement is concerning for the mining and energy sectors, as it could signal a shift in political priorities and policies. Consistent, reliable leadership is crucial for maintaining a stable business environment.
Absolutely. The commodities markets thrive on predictability, so any hint of political instability or divisiveness could have significant impacts. I hope Mamdani and Kawas address these concerns proactively.
While everyone is entitled to their views, Kawas’s comments on 9/11 seem to minimize the gravity of that tragic event. As leaders, Mamdani and Kawas should be mindful of the impact their words can have on the community.
I agree. Downplaying 9/11 is highly insensitive and could be seen as disrespectful to the victims and their families. They should reconsider this endorsement and focus on uniting the community.
This endorsement raises some red flags for the mining and energy sectors. Consistent, level-headed leadership is crucial for maintaining a stable business environment. I hope Mamdani and Kawas will address these concerns head-on.
Absolutely. The commodities markets thrive on predictability and reliability. Any hint of political instability or divisiveness could have ripple effects across the industry. They should be mindful of the impact their actions can have.