Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Praised Convicted Hamas Fundraisers in 2017 Rap Song

Zohran Mamdani, a candidate for New York City mayor with socialist leanings, once expressed admiration for five leaders of the now-defunct Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, convicted in 2008 of funding Hamas. This revelation emerged from a video released by an organization fighting antisemitism, Canary Mission, which uncovered a 2017 rap track in which Mamdani, performing under the alias Mr. Cardamom, publicly praised the so-called “Holy Land Five.”

In the song titled “Salaam,” Mamdani said, “My love to the Holy Land Five. You better look ’em up,” describing growing up Muslim in Queens. The song’s lyrics show an open endorsement of the convicted fundraisers, who were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for providing material support to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.

The five individuals—Shukri Abu Baker, Mohammad El-Mezain, Ghassan Elashi, Mufid Abdulqader, and Abdulrahman Odeh—were convicted after funding Hamas in its effort to create a Palestinian state, following their support through the Holy Land Foundation. The foundation was shut down in 2001, and its leaders received sentences ranging from 15 to 65 years in prison.

Critics argue that Mamdani’s admiration reveals a longstanding anti-Israel stance. The group Canary Mission stated, “Mamdani sent his love to convicted Hamas funders. Let that sink in.” Prominent figures, including former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, criticized Mamdani’s lyrics, labeling the praise as a “new low” and condemning it as “disgusting and despicable.”

Additional analysis points out Mamdani’s political history of anti-Zionism, citing his involvement in rallies linking Ferguson to Sheikh Jarrah and his music encouraging people to research the Holy Land Five. Critics argue these revelations cast doubt on his suitability for leadership in New York City, emphasizing that supporting convicted terrorists is incompatible with public office.