New details have emerged about the political activism of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s wife, indicating she played a significant role in a democratic socialist campaign that supported anti-Semitic and anti-Israel candidates. The campaign also endorsed controversial legislation aimed at pro-Israel charities, The New York Post reports.
Rama Duwaji, the city’s first lady — whom Mamdani has controversially described as being a “private person,” — contributed artwork to the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) during the rollout of its campaign, “PalestineOnTheBallot.com.”
Critics argue that Duwaji’s public activism contradicts Mamdani’s recent assertion that his wife is a “private person,” a characterization he reiterated earlier this month amid scrutiny over her statements and affiliations.
The initiative highlighted Democratic primary candidates who rejected financial backing from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and pledged support for the Not on Our Dime Act, a measure targeting registered charities accused of aiding “Israeli settler violence.”
At the time, the legislation was introduced by Mamdani while he served as a state Assemblyman. Duwaji, who works professionally as an illustrator, created graphics used in the DSA’s “PalestineOnTheBallot.com” campaign, according to The Post.
“The Democratic primary is on June 25 and Palestine is on the Ballot, even for your NY State Reps,” read an animated message shared by the DSA on TikTok and Instagram.
“Are your New York Reps pro-ceasefire? Do they want to end subsidies for Israeli war crimes? Are they taking money from AIPAC of NY?” The animation featured a ballot-style interface allowing users to enter their address and view their representatives’ positions on the Gaza conflict, accompanied by illustrated voter imagery.
“Go to Palestine.com to see where they stand. Then, make your voting plan and get out the vote for pro-Palestinian socialists who need your support,” the pitch said. “Animation by Rama Duwaji.”
The campaign website also encouraged volunteers to support former Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s re-election bid. Bowman, known for his criticism of Israel, ultimately lost his Democratic primary race to George Latimer, notes The Post.
Reports of Duwaji’s involvement with the DSA campaign follow the resurfacing of past social media activity in which she liked posts celebrating Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, expressing support for Palestinian militants and criticizing the U.S. military.
The Post has also previously reported that Duwaji produced illustrations for an author accused of antisemitism.