With a competitive June 24 primary looming, NYC Councilmember Shahana Hanif (D-39) appears to trying to whitewhat her stance on Israel—after years of avoiding strong condemnations of Hamas and aligning with far-left, pro-Palestinian rhetoric.

Hanif, who represents a district that includes Park Slope and Borough Park, has rarely spoken out in support of Israel. However, in recent weeks, she has publicly condemned the vandalism of an Israeli restaurant in Park Slope and even released a statement on the anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 massacre, denouncing the terrorist attack.

This shift comes as Hanif faces a serious challenge from Maya Kornberg, a Jewish Democrat and NYU Brennan Center researcher who entered the race in August 2023. Hanif, elected in 2022, has raised $68,000 for her re-election campaign, while Kornberg is close behind with $63,000, according to campaign finance records.

Hanif’s past statements and votes tell a different story. She was one of only two City Council members to vote against an “End Jew Hatred Day” resolution in April 2023, calling it a “far-right” initiative. In the immediate aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack, Hanif posted on X that “the root cause of this war is the illegal, immoral, and unjust occupation of the Palestinian people” and that “no peace” should be expected—before later deleting the post.

She also attended a “Ceasefire Now Rally for Gaza” in Bryant Park, where protesters chanted “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, a slogan widely interpreted as calling for Israel’s elimination. Just five days after Hamas’ attack, she demanded a ceasefire, effectively opposing any military response from Israel.

Hanif’s campaign now claims she has “repeatedly and categorically condemned Hamas”, but refused to provide any past examples when asked.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)