NYC Mayor's Wife Criticized for Past Social Media Posts Praising Terrorists

Rama Duwaji, wife of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, faces backlash over posts glorifying Palestinian militants

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:35am

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, is under fire following reports detailing past social media posts that appear to celebrate Palestinian terrorists and criticize the U.S. military. The posts, dating back to Duwaji's teenage years and early 20s, included content praising individuals involved in acts of terrorism, such as Leila Khaled of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a U.S.-designated terrorist group. Duwaji also faced allegations of antisemitism for posts questioning the existence of Tel Aviv and criticizing the U.S. military.

Why it matters

The controversy surrounding Duwaji's past social media activity has raised concerns about her views and their potential impact on her husband's role as New York City mayor. The posts, which glorified Palestinian militants and criticized the U.S. military, have drawn criticism from some and raised questions about her suitability as the mayor's spouse.

The details

According to reports, Duwaji's social media posts included a 2017 Tumblr post featuring Leila Khaled, a member of the PFLP who participated in plane hijackings in 1969 and 1970. The caption read, 'If it does good for my cause, I'll be happy to accept death.' Other posts shared images of individuals sewing Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) flags and referenced the First Intifada, a period of violence against Israelis. Duwaji also criticized the U.S. military, claiming American soldiers were not fighting for freedom, and questioned the existence of Tel Aviv.

  • Many of the posts were made when Duwaji was in her teens and early 20s, while living in the Middle East.
  • Duwaji reportedly deleted a classic X (formerly Twitter) account after the posts resurfaced.
  • An Israeli ministry has recommended barring Duwaji from entering Israel, citing her social media activity.

The players

Rama Duwaji

The wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is facing backlash over her past social media posts that appear to praise Palestinian terrorists and criticize the U.S. military.

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, whose wife's controversial social media posts have drawn attention.

Leila Khaled

A member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a U.S.-designated terrorist group, who participated in plane hijackings in 1969 and 1970.

Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)

A U.S.-designated terrorist organization that has been involved in numerous acts of violence.

Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)

A political and paramilitary organization that has historically been involved in conflicts with Israel.

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What they’re saying

“If it does good for my cause, I'll be happy to accept death.”

— Leila Khaled, Member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)

What’s next

An Israeli ministry has recommended barring Rama Duwaji from entering Israel due to her past social media activity.

The takeaway

The controversy surrounding Rama Duwaji's past social media posts praising Palestinian terrorists and criticizing the U.S. military has raised concerns about her views and their potential impact on her husband's role as New York City mayor. The backlash highlights the lasting consequences that social media activity, even from years ago, can have for public figures and their families.