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FIRST ON FOX: Mahmood Mamdani, father of Zohran Mamdani, a socialist candidate for the New York City mayoralty, currently serves on the advisory council of a controversial anti-Israel organization. This organization openly supports boycotts against Israel and frequently charges the Israeli government with genocide while expressing controversial sympathies for suicide bombers.
The Gaza Tribunal, established in London in 2024, champions a mission aimed at awakening civil society to combat perceived genocidal actions by Israel in Gaza. According to its website, the tribunal emphasizes the need for advocacy and solidarity against these alleged atrocities.
Mahmood Mamdani is prominently featured on the website as a member of the group’s advisory policy council and reportedly participated in the group’s launch in London last year.
Richard Falk, the tribunal’s president, elaborated on the organization’s support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions initiative in an online post, asserting that the tribunal aims to legitimize global civil society initiatives like BDS.
BDS seeks to delegitimize the State of Israel, framing it as a denial of the Jewish people’s right to self-determination. The movement aims to isolate Israel economically through consumer boycotts, investment withdrawals, and legal sanctions.
Zohran Mamdani has similarly promoted the BDS movement. In a recent discussion, he refrained from affirming Israel’s right to exist and characterized his support for BDS as consistent with his overarching political philosophy centered on non-violence.
Mahmood Mamdani, also a professor of government at Columbia University, faced backlash on social media recently over a passage from his 2004 book, which suggests a sympathetic understanding of suicide bombers.
In his work, Mamdani argues that suicide bombing should be viewed as a form of modern political resistance rather than stigmatized as sheer barbarism. He urges society to reconsider the narrative surrounding the suicide bomber, framing them instead as a category of soldier in contemporary conflicts.
The Gaza Tribunal is interlinked with various anti-Israel movements, with some members having been previously expelled from the United States due to alleged terror affiliations.
Falk possesses a track record of controversial remarks about Israel. He has faced accusations of misusing his role as a United Nations Special Rapporteur to propagate unverified claims against the state, labeling it a colonialist entity pushing ethnic cleansing agendas.
Falk faced substantial criticism in 2007 after likening the Israeli government’s actions to those of the Nazis, suggesting that the treatment of Palestinians parallels historical atrocities committed during the Holocaust. This assertion led to widespread condemnation and opposition from various political figures.
Falk recently attempted to assuage concerns regarding Mahmood Mamdani’s association with the Gaza Tribunal. He stated that both Mahmood and Zohran Mamdani respect international law and advocate for human rights, asserting that they are committed to peacefully resolving political conflicts.
Dr. Hatem Bazian, an influential figure in American Muslims for Palestine and co-founder of Students for Justice in Palestine, also attended the tribunal’s launch. Bazian has been accused of inflammatory rhetoric regarding Israel, advocating for BDS, and calling for political action against Israeli policies.
In the past, Bazian sparked outrage by suggesting an intifada in the U.S. to transform its political landscape. His statements have frequently ignited controversies, particularly among Jewish communities.
Another notable presence at the Gaza Tribunal is Sami Al-Arian, a former academic who admitted to aiding the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist group in the past. Al-Arian showcased his pride in supporting the Gaza Tribunal’s declaration, which accuses Israel of genocide as well as various human rights violations.
The declaration posits serious allegations against Israel, including accusations of apartheid practices and illegal settlements. Al-Arian, who spent time in prison for his prior affiliations, represents a figure previously scrutinized for his controversial actions and statements regarding terrorism.
Another member of the Gaza Tribunal Advisory Council, former UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, has faced allegations of antisemitism stemming from his outspoken criticism of Israeli policies. An investigation revealed that Corbyn’s party mishandled complaints regarding antisemitism during his leadership.
Corbyn’s history of comments has drawn ire, especially regarding his alleged connections to organizations viewed as hostile to Israel. Following various accusations and controversies, he was eventually suspended from the Labour Party over his handling of antisemitic statements.
Zohran Mamdani’s views on Israel have been a focal point during his mayoral campaign. He recently stirred debate by refusing to disavow the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which has become popular among anti-Israel protesters following significant violent outbreaks over the past months.
Mamdani’s controversial past includes his leadership in the Students for Justice in Palestine organization while at Bowdoin College. He has expressed support for academic boycotts against Israel, further complicating his position as he prepares to contend with prominent politicians in the upcoming election.
As the political landscape evolves, Zohran Mamdani faces increasing scrutiny. His associations and public statements will undoubtedly continue to fuel discussions around his candidacy amidst a highly competitive mayoral race against current Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, both of whom are running as independents.
This report contributed to numerous insights from various experts and watchdog organizations tracking issues of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiments in political discourse.
