Trending Now - NYC First Lady Rama Duwaji Under Scrutiny for Artwork

WHO:

Rama Duwaji, NYC First Lady

Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

Diana Islayih, author of the essay published with Duwaji's artwork

Susan Abulhawa, Palestinian-American author and editor of the compilation of essays

Scott Richman, New York regional director for the Anti-Defamation League

Katherine Jellison, professor of American history at Ohio University

Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs

Ben Lorber, researcher and author

WHAT:

Duwaji's artwork depicted a woman and was published in February 2026 by Slow Factory.

The artwork was part of an essay about a Gaza camp related to the Israel-Hamas war.

Mamdani condemned the language used by Abulhawa, stating it was "patently unacceptable" on March 13, 2026.

Duwaji has shared and liked pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel posts on social media.

Duwaji created artwork for the Democratic Socialists of America's 2024 campaign against Israeli charities.

WHERE:

New York City, New York

City Hall, New York City

Gaza, referenced in the artwork and essay

WHEN:

Artwork published in February 2026

Mamdani's comments made on March 13, 2026

Duwaji moved to New York City in 2021

Mamdani's election occurred in November 2025

Abulhawa's comments about the October 7, 2023, attack

WHY:

The scrutiny arises from Duwaji's artwork and social media posts amid ongoing tensions regarding Israel and Palestine.

Mamdani's administration faces skepticism from the Jewish community due to Duwaji's past statements and artwork.

HOW:

Duwaji's artwork was commissioned through a third party, and she was not in direct communication with Abulhawa.

Mamdani's administration is being monitored by the Anti-Defamation League through the "Mamdani Monitor."

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 11:23 UTC)

In New York City, the scrutiny surrounding Rama Duwaji's artwork, which depicts a woman and was published in February 2026, has intensified due to her past social media posts and connections to pro-Palestinian sentiments. Last Monday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned language used by Palestinian-American author Susan Abulhawa, calling it "patently unacceptable," as his administration faces skepticism from the Jewish community regarding Duwaji's involvement. The Anti-Defamation League is actively monitoring Mamdani's administration through a program known as the "Mamdani Monitor."