Zohran Mamdani is facing renewed scrutiny after a report claimed he made multiple visits to a Queens mosque led by a sheikh previously accused of Holocaust denial and antisemitic rhetoric.
According to a report from The Washington Free Beacon, Mamdani visited the Al-Khoei Islamic Center in Jamaica, Queens, at least three times since early 2025 and publicly praised Sheikh Fadhel Al-Sahlani during a Ramadan event in February, saying, “It feels like returning home to be here.”
Photos from the event show Mamdani with a broad smile, warmly shaking Al-Sahlani’s hand.
The sheikh, a native of Iraq, has wielded influence from his perch in Queens for decades and has participated in events with previous New York City mayors, including Eric Adams and Michael Bloomberg.
For two decades, however, Al-Sahlani has publicly argued that the well-documented Final Solution to Jewish Question was “exaggerated.”
The controversy begin with comments Al-Sahlani reportedly made during a 2006 interview with the New York Sun in which he allegedly said the figure of six million Jews killed during the Holocaust “has been exaggerated” and suggested the Holocaust required additional “study.”
The cleric also reportedly expressed support at the time for Iran’s proposal to host a Holocaust conference promoted by former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Mamdani Campaign Rejects Allegations
Mamdani’s spokesperson strongly rejected any connection to Holocaust denial, telling the Free Beacon that Al-Sahlani’s past remarks are “diametrically opposed to the mayor’s values and everything he has said and stood for.”
The statement also argued that visits to religious institutions throughout New York City should not automatically be interpreted as endorsements of every statement made by affiliated clergy members.
Broader Political Debate Intensifies
The report has intensified broader criticism from opponents who have accused Mamdani of fostering hostility toward Israel and Jewish organizations.
Earlier this year, Mamdani drew backlash after revoking executive orders implemented under former Mayor Eric Adams involving the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism and anti-BDS policies.
At the same time, Mamdani has also publicly participated in Holocaust remembrance events, including appearances alongside Holocaust survivors and commemorations at the Kupferberg Holocaust Center.
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