Israel's Ministry for Diaspora Affairs Seeks to Bar NYC First Lady and Artist Rama Duwaji Over Social Media Activity
Israel's Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism is reportedly taking steps to prevent multimedia artist and New York City First Lady Rama Duwaji from entering Israel. According to Israeli media reports, the ministry has cited her pro-Palestinian illustrations and social media interactions as evidence of antisemitism. Specific concerns include her 2025 animation 'Eyes on Jenin' and her engagement with posts about Gaza. Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli criticized her comments as 'unrestrained.' This potential ban follows scrutiny of Duwaji's online activity from before her marriage to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has previously stated he would not visit Israel if elected.
Key facts
- Israel's Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism is reportedly moving to ban Rama Duwaji from entering Israel.
- The ministry accuses Duwaji of antisemitism due to her pro-Palestinian illustrations and social media activity.
- Specific works cited include her 2025 animation 'Eyes on Jenin' and her interactions with posts describing Gaza as an 'open-air prison.'
- Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli called Duwaji's comments 'unrestrained' and stated she would not be allowed to enter Israel.
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has described Duwaji as a private person and previously stated he would not visit Israel if elected.
Entities
Artists
- Rama Duwaji
Institutions
- Israel's Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism
- Haaretz
- Hyperallergic
- United Nations
- New York City Hall
Locations
- Israel
- New York City
- Gaza
- Jenin