Co-Founder of 'Hot Girls for Zohran' Fired Over Controversial Social Media Posts

Kaif Gilani's past social media activity, including praise for Hamas and attacks on police, led to his dismissal from a congressional campaign.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Kaif Gilani, a co-founder of the volunteer group 'Hot Girls for Zohran' that supported mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, was fired from his role on congressional candidate Brad Lander's campaign after his past social media posts surfaced. The posts included conspiracy theories about Israel, sympathy for Hamas, and misogynistic language. Lander's campaign said they were unaware of the posts, which they described as 'deeply disturbing.' Gilani defended his views as pro-Palestinian, while others rushed to his defense against what they called 'Islamophobia.' The incident has reignited tensions within the left over issues related to Israel and the war in Gaza.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions within the Democratic party over issues related to Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Gilani's social media activity, which included promoting conspiracy theories and expressing sympathy for Hamas, has led to his dismissal from a political campaign, underscoring the sensitivity around these issues. The incident also raises questions about vetting processes for political campaigns and the role of social media in shaping perceptions of candidates and their associates.

The details

Kaif Gilani, a co-founder of the 'Hot Girls for Zohran' volunteer group that supported mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, was hired to work on the congressional campaign of Brad Lander, an ally of Mamdani's. However, Gilani's past social media activity, which included sharing conspiracy theories about Israel, amplifying posts sympathizing with Hamas, and using misogynistic language, was uncovered and led to his dismissal from Lander's campaign. Lander's campaign said they were unaware of the posts and described them as 'deeply disturbing.' Gilani defended his views as pro-Palestinian, while others rushed to his defense against what they called 'Islamophobia.' The incident has reignited tensions within the left over issues related to Israel and the war in Gaza.

  • On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Jewish Insider published a story connecting Gilani to dozens of controversial social media posts.

The players

Kaif Gilani

A co-founder of the 'Hot Girls for Zohran' volunteer group who was hired to work on the congressional campaign of Brad Lander. Gilani's past social media activity, which included sharing conspiracy theories about Israel and expressing sympathy for Hamas, led to his dismissal from Lander's campaign.

Brad Lander

A congressional candidate in Manhattan and Brooklyn who is an ally of Zohran Mamdani. Lander's campaign hired Gilani but quickly cut ties with him after the controversial social media posts were uncovered.

Zohran Mamdani

A mayoral candidate in New York City whose volunteer group 'Hot Girls for Zohran' was co-founded by Gilani. Mamdani has been critical of Israel's actions in Gaza, but has not been known to amplify conspiracy theories like those in Gilani's social media feed.

Cait Camelia

The co-founder of 'Hot Girls for Zohran' who defended Gilani and said the group, now rebranded as 'Hot Girls Organize,' would continue to promote political activism, including against the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC.

Will Bredderman

The author of the Jewish Insider article that exposed Gilani's controversial social media posts, who later reported receiving death threats after the article's publication.

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What they’re saying

“Targeting and attempting to dox me is rooted in Islamophobia; non-Muslim friends and collaborators critical of the genocide have not been threatened with hit pieces for the same sentiments.”

— Kaif Gilani (Social media)

“These statements do not in any way reflect Brad's views. Brad has repeatedly condemned Hamas and the violence and sexual assault committed on and after October 7.”

— Lauren Hitt, Spokeswoman for Brad Lander (nytimes.com)

“Kaif will not be stepping back. He will be stepping up and organizing, as we prepare to primary every AIPAC-backed candidate in New York City in June.”

— Cait Camelia, Co-founder of 'Hot Girls for Zohran' (Email)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions within the Democratic party over issues related to Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Gilani's social media activity, which included promoting conspiracy theories and expressing sympathy for Hamas, has led to his dismissal from a political campaign, underscoring the sensitivity around these issues. The incident also raises questions about vetting processes for political campaigns and the role of social media in shaping perceptions of candidates and their associates.