Mamdani Caught At Iran-Linked Mosque That Called For ‘Strike Of Infidels’

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani generated controversy on Friday when he visited the Imam Al-Khoei Islamic Center in Jamaica, Queens, which has long been linked to extremism.

The Imam Al-Khoei Islamic Center, a Shi’a mosque operated by the Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation, has long-standing financial connections to the Alavi Foundation. Federal prosecutors and U.S. courts have described the Alavi Foundation as a front organization for the Iranian government and its state-owned Bank Melli, used to evade U.S. sanctions and launder money

According to IRS filings, the Alavi Foundation donated $25,000 in 2013 and $360 in 2016 to the Al-Khoei Foundation.

In 2013, a federal court ruled that Alavi’s Manhattan skyscraper was secretly controlled by Iran, leading to asset seizures. The Al-Khoei Foundation has defended Alavi against these claims, and has maintained ties despite the allegations of supporting Iranian interests, including potential funding for groups aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

“Last Ramadan, I was with many of you here at the procession of the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali. It is a privilege to be here with you once again,” Mamdani told the congregation. “I stand before you as the first Muslim mayor in our city’s history, and this year is the first Friday prayer that I have attended in that new position. And to do so together – it is a reminder that in this month of Ramadan, as we find moments of reflection, of recommitment, moments of community, that we always do so together. And it is together that I am thankful to be here today, and I am thankful to have the opportunity to lead our city. Salaam Alaikum.”

Imam Fadhel Dakmak-Rakka, principal of the affiliated Al-Iman School, then delivered a sermon that called for death to “infidels.”

“I ask Allah to send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and to make me among those who await you [the Mahdi], follow you, and support you against your enemies, and among those who are martyred before you, among the ranks of your loyal ones… Through your hands comes the relief for the believers and the killing of the infidels by your sword,” the imam said.

Zohran Mamdani, the Democrat Mayor of NYC, attended an Islamic center service where the imam appears to pray for "the killing of the infidels," aka non-Muslims.pic.twitter.com/k9sPknxlId

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 23, 2026

This event adds to a pattern of controversies surrounding Mamdani’s engagements with Muslim institutions. Earlier visits to mosques like the Islamic Society of Bay Ridge, where a cleric praised Hamas and called for Israel’s annihilation.

While on the campaign trail last year, Mamdani met with Imam Wahhaj, an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Wahhaj has praised islamic extremists in the past, while his son was convicted in a terror training plot.

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