Full Breakdown
Controversy Surrounds Kaif Gilani and His Ties to Political Campaigns
2/13/2026, 1:08:32 AM
Kaif Gilani's Rise and Fallout
Kaif Gilani, known for his role in the "Hot Girls for Zohran" campaign supporting New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has recently faced scrutiny due to his social media activity. Initially gaining attention for organizing events that energized young voters for Mamdani's mayoral campaign, Gilani transitioned to a consulting role for Brad Lander's congressional campaign. However, his private social media accounts, which promoted conspiracy theories about Israel and expressed support for Hamas, came to light following a report by Jewish Insider. This revelation prompted Lander to sever ties with Gilani, stating he was "deeply disturbed" by the posts.
Social Media Controversies
Gilani's social media presence included sharing extremist content, such as conspiracy theories alleging Israeli involvement in the 9/11 attacks and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. His posts also included derogatory remarks about police and Democratic officials. After the Jewish Insider article was published, Gilani deleted his social media accounts, including his LinkedIn profile, and his employer, Citi, announced an investigation into his conduct.
Official Responses and Implications
Lander's campaign, which had previously been unaware of Gilani's online activity, quickly distanced itself from him. A spokesperson emphasized that Gilani's views do not reflect Lander's stance, particularly regarding his condemnation of Hamas and the violence associated with the October 7, 2023, attacks. The fallout from Gilani's actions has raised concerns about the implications for Mamdani's administration, which has already faced criticism for its approach to antisemitism and Israel.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have expressed alarm over Mamdani's appointments and policies, suggesting they may not adequately address rising antisemitism in New York City. The appointment of Phylisa Wisdom to lead the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism has drawn scrutiny due to her past positions, including opposition to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism. This has led to concerns among Jewish leaders about the effectiveness of the office under her leadership.
Conflicting Reports and Community Reactions
The Jewish community's response to Mamdani's administration has been mixed. While some leaders have praised his rapid response to antisemitic incidents, others remain skeptical about his commitment to combating antisemitism effectively. The New York City Police Department reported that antisemitic incidents accounted for 57% of all hate crimes in 2025, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues.
What's Next for Mamdani's Administration?
As Mamdani's administration continues to navigate these challenges, the effectiveness of his policies and appointments will be closely monitored. The City Council, led by Speaker Julie Menin, is expected to play a significant role in shaping responses to rising antisemitism, potentially countering Mamdani's initiatives. The political landscape in New York City remains dynamic, with upcoming elections likely influencing the direction of policies related to antisemitism and community relations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were not aware of these tweets when we hired them. As soon as we became aware, we terminated their contract. They definitely do not reflect Brad’s views,” — Lauren Hitt, Spokesperson for Brad Lander
- “My critiques of the Israeli government as it carries on a U.S.-backed slaughter are not antisemitism, they are indicative of a basic level of morality and empathy for others,” — Kaif Gilani
This situation underscores the complexities of political affiliations and social media conduct in contemporary political campaigns, particularly in a city as diverse as New York.
