The Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism in Israel is reportedly considering a ban on multi-media artist and New York City First Lady Rama Duwaji from entering the country. Haaretz reports that the ministry accuses the Syrian illustrator and ceramicist of antisemitism due to her pro-Palestinian artwork and activity on social media. Duwaji’s animation “Eyes on Jenin” (2025) is particularly contested, as it draws parallels between police actions against Palestinian protesters and alleged genocidal actions in Gaza by Israel.
Her artwork, prominently displayed on her social media platforms and website, often depicts individuals in keffiyehs, narrates the experiences of Gazans, and condemns what is described as Israel’s deliberate starvation tactics against Palestinians, a claim supported by the United Nations and other organizations. The push to restrict Duwaji’s entry comes after a review of her social media engagements on October 7, 2023, prior to her marriage to New York City’s future mayor.
Duwaji allegedly “liked” a post by Instagram account @theslowfactory, which referred to the demolition of Israeli border fences as “resistance” and characterized Gaza as an “open-air prison.” The Diaspora Affairs Ministry cited this interaction as a basis for its decision, with Minister Amichai Chikli labeling her remarks on Israel and Palestine as “unrestrained.” Chikli’s statement mistakenly referred to her by her husband’s surname, Mamdani, asserting, “This is an unprecedented moral low, and we will not allow people like Mrs. Mamdani to enter the territory of the State of Israel.”
Duwaji has not commented on the situation, and Hyperallergic’s request for her response remains unanswered. This potential ban reflects a wider trend of equating social media interactions with endorsements of violence. In a related incident, art historian Karen Leader was suspended from Florida Atlantic University after reposting content critical of Charlie Kirk’s politics, and children’s star Ms. Rachel apologized for inadvertently liking an antisemitic comment.
At a press conference on March 6, following the publicity of Duwaji’s social media activities, the New York City mayor described his wife as a “private person” with no formal campaign or City Hall role. City Hall has yet to respond to Hyperallergic’s request for comment. Notably, last June, Mamdani stood out in a mayoral debate by declaring that he would not visit Israel if elected mayor. Hyperallergic has also reached out to the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism for their comment.
