Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Aber Kawas, a socialist candidate supported by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, faces criticism for past comments suggesting America deserved the 9/11 attacks due to systemic issues like capitalism and racism. Kawas, the Democratic nominee for New York State Senate District 12, defended her remarks as addressing Muslim scapegoating and emphasized her focus on Gaza liberation. Her father, a Jordanian national, was deported after a fraud conviction.

Aber Kawas, a socialist primary winner backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, faces criticism over a 2017 podcast comment implying America deserved the 9/11 attacks. Kawas, a Palestinian-American and Muslim community activist, won the Democratic nomination for New York State Senate District 12, emphasizing Gaza and anti-bigotry themes in her campaign.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor, faces criticism from moderate Muslim activists who accuse him of promoting extreme Islamism and from hardline anti-Israel activists who claim he hasn’t sufficiently supported Palestinian causes. Protests are planned outside Gracie Mansion, with activists like Anila Ali and Nerdeen Kiswani representing opposing views on Mamdani’s policies and affiliations.