Zohran Mamdani runs NYC ‘Gaza 5K’ raising money for UNRWA despite agency’s connections to Hamas
Mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani has found himself in hot water after fundraising for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) over the weekend. The agency, which has well-documented ties to Hamas, has drawn criticism from Republican North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik.
Stefanik, who is eyeing a run for governor in next year’s election, took aim at Gov. Kathy Hochul for endorsing Mamdani, whom she labeled as an “antisemite.” She expressed outrage over Mamdani’s support for an organization that has been linked to terrorist activities, particularly the October 7th attacks.
Mamdani proudly shared a photo of himself participating in the “New York City Gaza 5K” event to raise funds for UNRWA, describing the organization as providing critical aid to Palestinians in Gaza. However, investigations have revealed that UNRWA staff members were involved in the planning and execution of terrorist attacks, leading to the agency firing several employees.
In light of these revelations, Stefanik called for action against Mamdani and Hochul, accusing them of aligning with pro-Hamas individuals. She criticized Mamdani’s involvement with UNRWA and urged New Yorkers to reject his candidacy for mayor.
The controversy surrounding UNRWA and its ties to Hamas has raised concerns about the organization’s credibility and the use of funds provided by countries like the US. Former President Trump revoked funding for UNRWA due to these concerns, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability within the agency.
Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, also faced backlash for mourning the death of a Palestinian influencer who glorified the October 7th attacks. The couple’s association with individuals linked to terrorism has further fueled criticism of Mamdani’s campaign.
As tensions escalate, Stefanik has positioned herself as a staunch supporter of Israel and a vocal opponent of Mamdani’s candidacy. With the upcoming gubernatorial election on the horizon, the political landscape in New York is heating up, with competing ideologies and allegiances coming to the forefront.
In the midst of these developments, it remains to be seen how Mamdani’s fundraising efforts for UNRWA will impact his mayoral campaign and the broader political discourse in New York City. The controversy has shed light on the complexities of international aid organizations and their potential connections to extremist groups, prompting calls for greater scrutiny and oversight in the allocation of resources.
