Queen's Life: Mamdani's wife will travel to Europe for the third time this year to attend a luxury Islamic retreat

The wife of the communist mayor Zohran Mamdani, Rama Duwaji, will travel to Europe again to participate in an exclusive and expensive Islamic retreat for women, which has sparked outrage among New Yorkers who suffer daily from the city's problems.

The retreat, organized by The Women Sanctuary and titled "Journey through Islamic Calligraphy," will take place in the Portuguese city of Porto in two segments: from September 16 to 21 and from September 25 to 30. This will be the third time this year that Duwaji, a well-known far-left pro-Palestinian activist, vacations VIP-style on the old continent.

"Some days we will explore the rich history of Islam in Portugal, discovering traces of a remarkable legacy that is still woven into the landscape. On other days, we will gather for a wonderful illustration workshop with our resident artist, Rama Duwaji, celebrating this heritage", states the website of the luxurious retreat, which offers moments of relaxation by the pool, walks, and talks.

"We believe that these unhurried moments are part of the retreat just as much as the program itself; a space for suhbah, spiritual reflection, and presence, where hearts can soften, souls can be nourished, and memories can arise naturally amidst the beauty of creation," continues the advertisement from The Women Sanctuary, whose rates start at $4,300.

Criticism of Duwaji's new and expensive trip came swiftly. Councilwoman Joann Ariola pointed out to the New York Post that in the past "former first ladies used to spend their time visiting schools and doing charity work", and added ironically that "being the wife of Zohran Mamdani must be very stressful."

"They act like jet-setters when they are supposed to be there for New Yorkers, but they are the complete opposite. She is a good example of the hypocrisy of this administration", said former Queens councilman Bob Holden to the same outlet.

Last month, Duwaji chose not to participate in the celebrations for the 250th birthday of the United States and preferred to attend an Islamic spiritual retreat on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Not satisfied with that vacation, the New York first lady joined another getaway on the French island of Corsica to pay tribute to "the legacy of Mary, the most honored woman in the Quran."

In September, Duwaji plans to visit Lebanon and Syria —two nations that the State Department advises against traveling to— to see her relatives. Initially, Mamdani's wife was going to have a security detail paid for with taxpayer money, a news item that was later denied due to the uproar it caused in public opinion.