Rama Duwaji, the wife of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, has drawn criticism after reportedly liking social media posts expressing support for Palestinian "resistance" in the immediate aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

According to reports, Duwaji liked Instagram posts supporting the Palestinian cause within hours of the Hamas attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis and took hundreds hostage. The social media activity has generated controversy as Mamdani campaigns for mayor of New York City.

In response to the criticism, Mamdani has characterized his wife as not being a public figure, despite Duwaji having been featured in magazine profiles and media coverage. The candidate's defense comes as the couple faces scrutiny over the timing and nature of the social media engagement.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by political candidates and their families regarding social media activity, particularly on sensitive geopolitical issues. Mamdani, a New York State Assembly member representing Queens, is among several candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor.

The controversy emerged as the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack approaches, a period that has seen increased attention to public figures' positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Hamas attack and subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza have remained divisive issues in American politics.