NEW YORK (VINnews) — Zohran Mamdani hosted pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil and his family for a Ramadan meal at Gracie Mansion during the Muslim holy month.

For Mahmoud Khalil, this past year has been marked by profound hardship—and by profound courage.

A year ago, Mahmoud was walking home through our city after sharing an iftar with his wife Noor when he was detained by federal agents, flown to Louisiana, and then held in an ICE… pic.twitter.com/6dBtLh0GeT

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) March 10, 2026

Khalil, a Syrian-born Palestinian activist who gained prominence during pro-Palestinian demonstrations connected to protests at Columbia University, attended the dinner with members of his family.

Khalil previously drew national attention after the administration of Donald Trump sought to deport him, arguing his activities and immigration status raised concerns for U.S. authorities. The effort followed allegations by federal officials that Khalil had provided inaccurate information during the process of obtaining a green card.

He was detained for a period by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while the case was reviewed.

Khalil has been a visible figure in demonstrations related to the war between Israel and Hamas.

The dinner comes as tensions remain high in New York following a frightening weekend incident in which two pro-Muslim terrorists who authorities say pledged allegiance to ISIS allegedly threw an improvised explosive device toward police. Authorities said the incident remains under investigation.