New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is aligning himself with Aber Kawas, a candidate for a state assembly seat who has made controversial remarks about the September 11 attacks. Kawas, a Palestinian American activist, once described 9/11 as a terror attack carried out by “a couple of people,” stirring significant backlash. This endorsement from Mamdani surfaced during a recent Democratic Socialists of America meeting in Manhattan, revealing a glimpse into his support for a candidate whose comments could raise eyebrows.
Sam McCann, a top advisor to Mamdani, shared details of this support. “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,” McCann noted. This indicates that Mamdani is willing to champion Kawas despite her divisive past statements and the scrutiny her views may attract.
Kawas’ history as an organizer in New York City’s Arab and Muslim communities spans over a decade. Currently, she is seeking the backing of the Democratic Socialists of America as she aims for a run in the 34th Assembly District, which is vacated by Assemblywoman Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, who has her own political ambitions. The implications of this contest are significant, especially with New York’s political landscape shifting.
However, concerns about Kawas run deeper. Her connections to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) raise alarms among critics. CAIR has faced accusations of potentially maintaining ties to Hamas. Recently, Texas Governor Greg Abbott went as far as to label CAIR a foreign terrorist organization, adding weight to the scrutiny surrounding individuals associated with the group.
In a resurfaced clip, Kawas expressed her views on systemic issues, tying together capitalism, racism, and what she describes as a form of Islamophobia linked to historical injustices. “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,” she stated. Her comments depict a broader narrative of perceived victimization that some may view as troubling, especially coming from a candidate that seeks public office.
Mamdani’s endorsement of Kawas thus raises fundamental questions about his political values and the implications for New York City. As Mamdani embarks on his new role, his alliances might shape the city’s future, particularly in relation to issues surrounding community relations and governance.
The revelation of his support for Kawas, coupled with her controversial positions, signals a potential shift in how constituents might view Mamdani’s administration. His willingness to align with such a figure could either energize a base that supports radical shifts in policy or alienate those who find Kawas’s remarks disquieting. The tension between ideological support and public perception looms as Mamdani steps into his new leadership role.
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