The first lady of New York City, Rama Duwaji, is currently facing intense criticism following the revelation of several old social media posts that express admiration for individuals linked to terrorism and promote anti-American sentiments.
These troubling posts, brought to light by investigative findings, date back to her teenage years and early adulthood. Among them are mentions of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which is recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S., and content that praises the First Intifada.
In a noteworthy Tumblr post from September 2017, Duwaji shared an image of the Palestinian terrorist Leila Khaled, paired with a quote reflecting her radical sentiments.
Khaled is notorious for her role in two plane hijackings during the late 1960s, becoming a figurehead for extremist groups. Notably, she made threats involving a grenade to commandeer a plane.
Additionally, Duwaji’s posts reveal admiration for other PFLP members. In March 2015, she shared a post lauding Shadia Abu Ghazaleh, a militant who died while attempting to assemble a bomb but was celebrated as a symbol of resistance.
“shadia abu ghazaleh, first palestinian woman to fight in resistance after 1967 occupation #InternationalWomensDay,” the post stated.
Duwaji has also shared historical imagery connected to Palestinian uprisings. A December 2017 post featured a photograph of a demonstrator creating a Palestinian flag during the First Intifada.
“Photography: ‘A Palestinian demonstrator sews a Palestinian Liberation Organization flag before a protest during the first Intifada’, February, 1988,” reads the caption.
Additionally, the First Intifada, spanning from 1987 to 1993, was a time marked by violence and significantly contributed to the rise of Hamas.
In another September 2017 post, she displayed a Bangladeshi stamp that honored Palestinian freedom fighters.
Further scrutiny emerged from a July 2015 post where she heavily criticized American military personnel.
“*taps mic* American soldiers fighting in imperialist wars are not brave nor are they fighting for anyone’s freedom,” her post declared. “They are mercilessly slaughtering 3rd world civilians and fighting to maintain American hegemony. That is all, thank you! *drops mic*”
These posts appear to have originated while Duwaji was residing in the Middle East. Although born in New Jersey to a Syrian family, she spent her childhood in Dubai before studying at Virginia Commonwealth University, eventually transferring from its Qatar campus to Richmond.
The accounts associated with these posts have since been deactivated.
