Report: Mamdani-backed candidates accused of ties to Hamas spark Jewish community alarm

The New York Post reported Sunday night that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is promoting what it called a “Hamas team,” a slate of congressional candidates said to have ideological and political links to Hamas. The article said the candidates receive his backing while maintaining close cooperation with figures associated with the terrorist organization.

At the top of the list were Brad Lander, Claire Valdez, and Darializa Abila Chevalier, whom the report described as openly hostile to Israel and aligned with extreme anti-Zionist messaging. It also pointed to social media influencer Bartley Blakely, who supports Hamas, as a conduit for spreading the candidates’ messages. Blakely has compared Yahya Sinwar to major historical leaders and has refused to condemn the October 7 massacre.

The candidates reportedly say they want to work in Washington against Israel’s interests, using rhetoric that labels U.S. security aid as “funding genocide.” Abila Chevalier was previously criticized after being photographed at a pro-Palestinian rally. The report said Mamdani’s public support for these candidates, along with his repeated refusal to condemn Hamas or back its disarmament, has alarmed Jewish communities.

Jewish leaders said the climate in New York politics has become disturbing. Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, said support for Hamas, Iran, and Hezbollah has become a “ticket of admission” to the progressive power circle. William Jacobson, a law professor, said hiding antisemitism behind “anti-Zionism” is the first step toward a hostile and dangerous administration.