NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Praises Convicted Hamas Funders in 2017 Rap

Zohran Mamdani, a prominent contender in the upcoming New York City mayoral race, previously expressed admiration for five leaders of the Holy Land Foundation, a nonprofit that was convicted of financing Hamas and supporting terrorism. The foundation’s five leaders—Shukri Abu Baker, Mohammad El-Mezain, Ghassan Elashi, Mufid Abdulqader, and Abdulrahman Odeh—were all found guilty in 2008 of numerous charges, including providing material support for terrorism.

Uncovered by Canary Mission, Mamdani—who performed under the stage name Mr. Cardamom—praised the Holy Land Five in a 2017 rap track titled “Salaam,” which Mamdani has stated is about his Muslim upbringing in New York. In the song, he says, “My love to the Holy Land Five. You better look ’em up.”

In another part of his track, Mamdani, known for his anti-Israel stance, raps “No ban. No wall. Build it up. We’ll make it fall.” Critics from the pro-Israel community, including the New York Solidarity Network, have expressed outrage, emphasizing that Mamdani’s words and past support suggest a dangerous stance aligned with terrorist funders.

He is currently polling second nationally among Democratic contenders, trailing only ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo. Political opponents, including Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, have condemned Mamdani’s past praise of Hamas supporters, arguing it disqualifies him for leadership in New York City.

Legal records show that the Holy Land Foundation was shut down in 2001 amid allegations of funneling millions to Hamas, with sentences ranging from 15 to 65 years for its leaders—though some have since been released.

“What’s surprising is that it’s taken until the end of a long campaign for many to realize Mamdani’s true positions,” remarked Sara Forman of the pro-Israel New York Solidarity Network, pointing out that Mamdani has long promoted anti-Zionist causes. Campaign representatives for Mamdani did not respond to inquiries regarding the revelation.