NEW YORK (VINnews) — New York City Councilwoman Shahana Hanif is under fire after posting a message on X targeting Muslim activists who helped organize a pro-Israel demonstration near Gracie Mansion on Tuesday evening.

Hanif, a Democratic socialist representing parts of Brooklyn, reposted flyers promoting the anti-Mamdani rally and wrote that she hoped the organizers would go “to Jahannam,” an Islamic term referring to hell.

May Allah condemn you to Jahannam. https://t.co/DwAhbc3SgB

— Shahana Hanif (@ShahanaFromBK) May 26, 2026

The protest, organized by EndJewHatred, took place near the mayoral residence and featured Muslim and Jewish speakers criticizing New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his positions regarding Israel and the Jewish community.

One of the event’s organizers, Anila Ali of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, said earlier in the day that many Muslim Americans reject what she described as extremist political messaging connected to Mamdani’s supporters.

Ali said the rally was intended to highlight cooperation between Muslim and Jewish communities and to demonstrate that opposition to antisemitism crosses religious lines.

She also argued that criticism of Mamdani goes beyond disagreements over Israeli policy, claiming his rhetoric has damaged interfaith relations in the city.

Hanif’s post quickly sparked backlash online, with critics accusing the councilwoman of directing hostile religious language at fellow Muslims because of their political views.