‘They’re basically Hamas’: Zohran Mamdani’s wife mourns death of Palestinian influencer who celebrated Oct 7 attack, faces backlash

Rama Duwaji, wife of New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, mourned the death of Saleh al-Jafarawi, a Palestinian influencer who documented the war in Gaza but also celebrated the October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel.Jafarawi was killed on Sunday in clashes between Hamas and rival Palestinian factions, according to Times of Israel.Duwaji shared an Instagram story about Jafarawi with four broken heart emojis. She immediately faced backlash over her post on multiple social media platforms.His death drew mixed reactions online. Many Israelis cheered, calling him a Hamas propagandist, while pro-Palestinian activists remembered him as a passionate voice. The 27-year-old became known as “Mr FAFO” in Israeli media, short for “F** Around and Find Out,” because he openly celebrated the Hamas terror attack. Later, he posted a video of himself crying when Israel launched strikes on Gaza. Footage posted to Jafarawi’s X account reportedly showed him dead while wearing a press vest.After the October 7 attack, Jafarawi made viral videos impersonating a doctor, a wounded patient, a fighter, and a journalist, which drew ridicule from pro-Israel viewers who called them staged and lazy propaganda. He was also accused of pocketing millions raised for Gaza residents, including funds for a children’s hospital.

Mamdani’s ‘Hamas-loving wife’

Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji are well known for their pro-Palestinian stance and often share it on social media. Mamdani has even said he would ensure Netanyahu is arrested if he entered New York City under his mayoralty. Meanwhile, Rama Duwaji consistently celebrates Middle Eastern art and culture through her social media. The duo have been repeatedly called “anti-Semites” by MAGA activists, including Laura Loomer, who referred to Duwaji as Mamdani’s “Hamas-loving wife” on X.