NEW YORK — The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) on Thursday circulated video of former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander speaking at a Queens mosque, where he recited a verse from the Quran and said he would be “proud” to serve in Congress alongside Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, two lawmakers who have been outspoken critics of U.S. aid to Israel.

The video drew heightened attention because, during the same gathering, an imam delivered remarks invoking the Mahdi and prayed for “infidels” to be defeated “with his sword,” according to translated footage released by MEMRI.

NY Democratic Congressional Candidate Brad Lander Recites Quran Verse at Queens Mosque, Says He Hopes to Partner in Congress with Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib; Imam Prays for Mahdi to Kill Infidels with His Sword pic.twitter.com/s4FWPLUaI5

— MEMRI (@MEMRIReports) May 21, 2026

The footage surfaced the same day a new PIX11 News/Emerson College/The Hill poll showed Lander holding a commanding lead over Rep. Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary for New York’s 10th Congressional District.

According to the poll, 57% of Democratic voters in the district said they support Lander, compared to 23% for Goldman, who is seeking a third term in Congress. Another 20% of respondents said they remain undecided.

Lander, who has aligned himself politically with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has increasingly emerged as a leading voice of New York’s progressive movement. The district’s top issues include immigration, affordability and U.S. support for Israel, according to the survey.