A senior member of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team is facing intense scrutiny after a series of old social media posts resurfaced showing anti-Jewish and anti-Israel rhetoric, as well as comments dismissing gay rights. The posts, authored by Hassaan Chaudhary roughly a decade ago, circulated widely after being highlighted in recent reporting, prompting criticism from Jewish organizations and political observers.
Chaudhary, who previously identified himself online as the political director for Mamdani’s transition and inaugural committee and the campaign’s director of Muslim engagement, used the word “Jew” as a slur in one exchange and echoed language used by former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who had referred to Israel as a “cancer.” He also described Israel as a “bloody country” and a “barbaric nation” while reacting to developments in the Middle East. In another post, he questioned the legitimacy of gay rights, characterizing discussions on the topic as senseless.
Although many of the posts date back to 2012, Chaudhary shared contentious material as recently as late last year, including a retweet criticizing Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish. After the remarks resurfaced, he issued a statement expressing remorse, saying that his past comments “do not reflect my current views” and that he looks back on them with “deep regret.”
Jewish leaders denounced the rhetoric. Former Brooklyn assemblyman Dov Hikind described the language as “a horror show,” arguing it reflects antisemitism.
The controversy comes as Mamdani faces broader questions about his own political alliances and past statements on Israel. Critics argue the resurfaced posts reflect deeper tensions within the coalition that helped propel him to victory, while supporters contend the remarks are from a different period in Chaudhary’s life and should not overshadow the transition’s priorities.
