Mamdani’s Wife Mourns Pro-Hamas Influencer Killed During Palestinian Infighting
Rama Duwaji, the wife of Democratic Party New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, drew sharp criticism over the weekend after publicly mourning the death of Saleh al-Jafarawi, a prominent Gaza-based influencer widely known by his online moniker “Mr. FAFO.” Jafarawi gained notoriety during the Israel-Hamas war for his pro-Hamas videos and open praise of the October 7th terrorist massacre in southern Israel, in which more than 1,200 people were slaughtered by armed Palestinian terrorists.
On Instagram, Duwaji shared a post announcing Jafarawi’s death, adding four broken heart emojis. She later reposted a video of Jafarawi celebrating the recent ceasefire, referring to him affectionately as “our Beloved Jafarawi.”
According to Hamas’s Al-Aqsa TV, Jafarawi was killed in Gaza City while accompanying Hamas fighters in an assault on an anti-Hamas faction. The Jerusalem Post reported that Jafarawi had “gained global attention for his viral videos from Gaza, frequently appearing in clips even after being falsely reported dead. On several occasions, he filmed himself from hospital beds after reportedly surviving attacks.”
Atlantic Council fellow Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib offered context on Jafarawi’s death, writing, “Controversial Gaza activist, derogatorily called ‘Mr. FAFO’ due to his performative antics and well known for his support of Hamas and raising an estimated $10 million to build a children’s hospital, only to pocket the money, Saleh Al-Jafarawi, was killed today by unknown assailants. He was allegedly accompanying Hamas’s ‘Saham’ unit during clashes with the Doghmosh clan in Gaza City, possibly as a cameraman of sorts. Hamas-affiliated Telegram channels have been announcing his death, possibly as a way to incite further violence against the clan and justify even more killing of perceived opposition and alleged criminal elements.”
Duwaji’s tribute to Jafarawi quickly triggered backlash online, with many condemning her for expressing sympathy toward a Hamas propagandist.
Journalist Haviv Rettig Gur of The Free Press commented on the controversy, writing, “A lot of clarity suddenly as the war comes to an end. Mamdani’s wife is heartbroken at the death of a Hamas propagandist who died while participating in a massive Hamas massacre of Palestinians underway this very minute in Gaza.”
{Matzav.com}
