On October 13, 2025, the spouse of a New York City mayoral candidate publicly expressed grief over the death of Saleh Aljafarawi, a Palestinian influencer. Aljafarawi had gained attention for his social media posts following the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Story Highlights

• Saleh Aljafarawi, who posted content related to the October 7 attacks, died in Gaza clan violence.
• The spouse of NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani publicly mourned Aljafarawi.
• Aljafarawi had been banned by Meta platforms for violating policies with his content.
• The incident has drawn attention to sentiments among some political figures.

Influencer’s Background and Death

Saleh Aljafarawi became known on October 7, 2023, after posting a video that referenced Hamas’s attacks on Israeli civilians. The social media influencer had accumulated a significant following through his content. His posts led to his removal from Meta platforms due to policy violations.

Aljafarawi was referred to by some as “Mr. FAFO.” The Palestinian Health Ministry reportedly distanced itself from him following allegations of fundraising irregularities. His death occurred during clashes between Hamas and the Do Mush militia in Gaza City, an event that resulted in at least 27 fatalities in internal Palestinian fighting.

Mamdani’s wife mourns death of Palestinian influencer Saleh al-Jafarawi, who celebrated Oct. 7 attacks https://t.co/20lpBAftpx pic.twitter.com/1KzHguDFgr

— New York Post (@nypost) October 13, 2025

Public Mourning by American Political Figure’s Spouse

The spouse of NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani publicly mourned Aljafarawi’s death. This expression of grief has generated discussion among observers regarding the implications of such sympathies for figures associated with controversial content. The incident has prompted questions about the judgment of political figures.

Mamdani’s candidacy had previously raised concerns among some regarding potential sympathies. The public mourning of an individual associated with Hamas by his spouse has been cited as an example of certain ideologies entering mainstream politics, potentially impacting the traditional pro-Israel stance in American foreign policy.

Social Media Platforms and Content Moderation

Aljafarawi’s prominence highlights ongoing discussions about social media companies’ effectiveness in moderating content on their platforms. Although Meta eventually banned the influencer, critics argue that platforms allowed him to build a large following while disseminating content that some considered to promote violence and hatred. This situation has underscored the need for enhanced content moderation policies to prevent the spread of certain types of content.

The incident contributes to broader concerns about social media’s role in narrative dissemination, where various organizations utilize platforms to gain support and spread information. Some conservative Americans advocate for vigilance against efforts to normalize certain sympathies through emotional appeals and narratives. The Trump administration’s stance against terrorism and support for Israel is presented as a contrast to the sympathies observed among some progressive political figures.

Watch the report: Mamdani’s Wife MOURNS October 7 Attack Celebrating Influencer Saleh al-Jafarawi, BACKLASH ERUPTS

Sources:

Jerusalem Post – Middle East Article
VIN News – NYC Mayoral Candidate’s Wife Mourns Death of Palestinian Influencer
‘They’re basically Hamas’: Zohran Mamdani’s wife mourns death of Palestinian influencer who celebrated Oct 7 attack, faces backlash – The Times of India
Mamdani’s wife mourns death of Palestinian influencer Saleh al-Jafarawi, who celebrated Oct. 7 attacks