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NYC Mayor Mamdani Hosts Pro-Palestinian Activist, Sparking Controversy
Mamdani's ties to anti-Israel figures raise concerns about his leadership on Middle East issues.
Published on Mar. 11, 2026
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New York City Mayor Abdulrahman Mamdani is facing backlash after hosting Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist with ties to Hamas, at Gracie Mansion. This move has reignited concerns about Mamdani's long history of anti-American and anti-Israel positions, which were prominent during his mayoral campaign. The mayor's actions have drawn criticism from former President Trump and others who view Khalil as an 'anti-American, pro-terrorist' figure.
Why it matters
As the first Muslim mayor of New York City, Mamdani's approach to Middle East issues has been a point of contention. His refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, support for the boycott and divestment movement, and reluctance to condemn calls to 'globalize the intifada' have alienated many in the city's large Jewish community. The mayor's latest actions have further stoked fears that he remains a 'radical leftist' on these matters, potentially creating tensions and divides within the city.
The details
Mamdani hosted Khalil, who was arrested by ICE last year after leading disruptive anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, and his family at Gracie Mansion on Monday to mark the one-year anniversary of Khalil's detention. Mamdani shared photos of the gathering on Instagram, sparking outrage from critics who view Khalil as an 'anti-American, pro-terrorist' figure. The mayor's actions come on the heels of revelations that his wife, Rama Duwaji, has a history of liking social media posts that celebrate Hamas' 2023 invasion of Israel.
- On March 10, 2026, photos of the Gracie Mansion gathering were posted on social media.
- In 2023, Mahmoud Khalil led disruptive anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, leading to his arrest by ICE.
The players
Abdulrahman Mamdani
The current mayor of New York City, who has a long history of anti-American and anti-Israel positions.
Mahmoud Khalil
A pro-Palestinian activist with ties to Hamas, who was arrested by ICE last year after leading disruptive anti-Israel protests at Columbia University.
Rama Duwaji
The wife of Mayor Mamdani, who has a history of liking social media posts that celebrate Hamas' 2023 invasion of Israel.
Donald Trump
The former President of the United States, who is reportedly 'fuming' over Mamdani's hosting of Mahmoud Khalil.
What they’re saying
“No one should be feting the anti-American, pro-terrorist activities of Mahmoud Khalil, who made his name as a ringleader of violent anti-American and anti-Semitic university protests.”
— Trump aide (The New York Post)
What’s next
The judge in Mahmoud Khalil's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to be released on bail.
The takeaway
Mayor Mamdani's hosting of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist with ties to Hamas, has reignited concerns about the mayor's long-standing anti-Israel positions and his willingness to associate with figures viewed as 'anti-American' and 'pro-terrorist'. This latest controversy highlights the challenges Mamdani faces in navigating Middle East issues as the first Muslim mayor of New York City.
