A seismic ripple is moving through New York City politics as Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani publicly supports a candidate whose past statements are igniting fierce controversy. Aber Kawas, a Palestinian American activist seeking a state assembly seat, once characterized the 9/11 attacks in deeply unsettling terms, describing them as the act of “a couple of people.”
The revelation came during a private meeting of the Democratic Socialists of America, disclosed by a member of Mamdani’s transition team. According to reports, Mamdani explicitly stated his commitment to backing Kawas in any political endeavor she undertakes, signaling a significant endorsement despite the looming shadow of her past remarks.
Kawas has spent over a decade organizing within New York City’s Arab and Muslim communities, building a network of support as she prepares to contend for the 34th Assembly District seat in Queens. The position is currently held by Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, who is now challenging a state senator, intensifying the competition for this crucial district.
Adding another layer of complexity, Kawas has established connections with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). This association is particularly sensitive given recent actions by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who has officially designated CAIR as a foreign terrorist organization, alleging ties to Hamas.
Resurfaced video clips are now circulating, showcasing Kawas’s provocative statements about 9/11. She frames the attacks within a broader historical context of colonialism, racism, and Islamophobia, arguing they are a continuation of systemic oppression.
In one particularly jarring excerpt, Kawas expresses her disdain for the expectation of apologies for the 9/11 attacks, contrasting it with the lack of acknowledgment and reparations for historical atrocities like genocide and slavery. Her words have sparked outrage and ignited a heated debate about the boundaries of political discourse and the responsibility of public figures.
The implications of Mamdani’s endorsement are far-reaching, potentially reshaping the political landscape of Queens and raising profound questions about the values and priorities of the incoming administration. This situation demands scrutiny as it unfolds, promising a contentious period for New York City politics.
