Mayor-elect Mamdani's Initial Endorsement Faces Scrutiny Over Candidate's 'America's Fault' 9/11 Claim

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has issued his first endorsement since his recent victory, backing Palestinian activist Aber Kawas for the New York State Assembly's 34th District. This endorsement has quickly drawn criticism as past controversial statements made by Kawas regarding the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks have resurfaced. Kawas is seeking to secure the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) endorsement for her campaign.

Kawas, an organizer within New York City's Arab and Muslim communities since 2010, made remarks in an unearthed clip that link the 9/11 attacks to systemic issues within the United States. "The system of capitalism and racism and white supremacy et cetera – and Islamophobia – have all been used to colonize lands, to take resources from other people and so this is a long trajectory and were just seeing the manifestations of that continuation with 9/11," she stated in the clip. These comments have been widely circulated on social media platforms following news of Mamdani's support.

Further adding to the controversy, Kawas expressed a strong stance against apologizing for the attacks. "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, et cetera – is something I find reprehensible," she continued. These statements have fueled debate about her suitability for public office and the implications of Mamdani's endorsement.

Mamdani's backing of Kawas was conveyed by a top political adviser from his transition team during a closed-door DSA meeting. According to reports, the adviser stated that Mamdani would "support Aber in whatever she pursues." Kawas, who reportedly holds a Master’s in Islamic Liberation Theology, moved to New York City last year and has been listed as a speaker for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an organization some sources describe as controversial.

The endorsement places Mamdani, a prominent Democratic Socialist, in a complex political position as he prepares to assume the mayoralty. The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions and differing perspectives within progressive political circles regarding historical events and foreign policy, particularly concerning the Middle East. Observers are now watching to see how this early endorsement impacts Mamdani's administration and the broader political landscape in New York.