Israel Seeks Ban on Rama Duwaji, Wife of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani
Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism has asked the Interior Ministry to bar Rama Duwaji from entering the country. The request was filed Thursday by Director General Avi Cohen-Scali. The move follows a review of her social media posts and illustrations.
Evidence Cited by the Ministry
The ministry said posts used words such as “genocide,” “occupation,” and “ethnic cleansing.” Officials pointed to an illustration reading “ethnic cleansing, plain and simple.” They also flagged an animation of a Palestinian woman buried under rubble.
In addition, the ministry cited posts that questioned reports of Israeli women being raped by Hamas. The agency described the content as part of a pattern of anti-Israel messaging.
Official Responses
Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli condemned remarks he said denied the October 7 massacre and related sexual assaults. He called those comments unacceptable. Avi Cohen-Scali said the language justified a travel restriction.
Haaretz reported the ministry’s request to the Interior Ministry. Filmogaz.com confirmed the report and the officials named in the filing.
Background on Duwaji and Mamdani
Rama Duwaji is an artist and a pro-Palestinian advocate. She has not indicated any interest in visiting Israel.
Her husband, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, declined during his campaign to say whether he would visit Israel. He argued one does not need to travel there to support Jewish New Yorkers. He also said his support for boycotts could make entry impossible.
Prior Controversies
Duwaji has been scrutinized for engaging with social posts that celebrated October 7 and praised Palestinian militants. She supplied illustrations for author Susan Abulhawa. Abulhawa used inflammatory language about Israelis and Jews online.
Mamdani has described his wife as a private citizen with no role in his administration. He has defended that distinction amid pressure over her online activity.
The story has driven search interest in Israel seeks ban developments. It also brings renewed attention to Rama Duwaji and the wife of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani in public debate.
