Leading the mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani held a fundraiser for a controversial United Nations relief organization linked to Hamas this past weekend, prompting strong criticism from Republican North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik.
Stefanik, who is expected to enter the gubernatorial race next year, also condemned Gov. Kathy Hochul for her backing of Mamdani, labeling him an “antisemite.”
“As we anticipate the return of hostages held by Hamas terrorists, @KathyHochul endorsing an Antisemite Communist candidate raising funds for a group involved in the October 7th attacks is shocking,” Stefanik expressed on X.
“We cannot allow pro-Hamas extremists to undermine New York! It’s time to FIRE HOCHUL!”
On Sunday, Mamdani shared a post showing himself at the “New York City Gaza 5K” raising funds for the controversial UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
The mayoral hopeful characterized UNRWA as a humanitarian entity that “provides essential aid to Palestinians in Gaza.”
In the aftermath of the tragic October 7, 2023, assault by Hamas on Israel, investigations revealed links between several perpetrators and UNRWA.
UNRWA subsequently terminated 10 out of 12 staff members alleged to have been involved in the atrocities after notification from Israel. The other two were confirmed deceased.
A November 2024 report from the Israeli non-profit IMPACT-se revealed that over 10% of UNRWA’s education staff in Gaza were affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, as reported.
In 2023, the U.S. allocated $154 million to UNRWA. Following his return to the White House in January, Trump discontinued funding for the organization.
The Post has reached out to Mamdani’s campaign for a statement regarding these events.
Additionally, his wife on Sunday publicly mourned influencer Saleh al-Jafarawi, who celebrated the October 7 assaults.
Al-Jafarawi, known for documenting the Gaza conflict, was reported dead in clashes involving Hamas and other factions.
“Beloved Jafarawi,” wrote Rama Duwaji, an animator married to Mamdani, sharing the message along with several broken-heart emojis on her Instagram story.
Mamdani announced his participation in the “New York City Gaza 5K” just hours before Hamas released the final of the 20 remaining Israeli hostages.
A ceasefire was established between Israel and Hamas last Friday, brokered partly by President Trump as part of an agreement for the hostages’ release.
Stefanik, a staunch supporter of Israel in Congress, has been vocal against Mamdani, who received an endorsement from Hochul last month.
Preparing for a gubernatorial challenge against Hochul in the 2026 elections, she criticized Hochul for not acknowledging Trump’s involvement in the hostages’ return.
While Hochul opted not to mention Trump directly, she expressed appreciation for the prior administration’s role in the negotiations.
Others joined Stefanik in condemning Mamdani’s endeavors for UNRWA.
“UNRWA staff involvement in the October 7 atrocities and their concealment of hostages are appalling. This is how you choose to act on the eve of their release. Not surprising but utterly disgraceful,” remarked Irit Mizrahi Tratt, former chair of the Trump47 Women’s Leadership Coalition.
“Reports confirm several @UNRWA personnel participated in the October 7th tragedy in Israel,” Todd Richman, from the Democratic Majority for Israel, commented on X.
“The same agency supposedly dedicated to providing humanitarian aid had employees entangled in terrorism. Reflect on this if you support @ZohranKMamdani running and fundraising for it!”
