As tensions surrounding Israel continue to dominate global headlines, another controversy is placing New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani back in the spotlight. This time, the focus is on his wife, Rama Duwaji, as she participates in a high-end Muslim women’s spiritual retreat centered on Palestine and the Virgin Mary.
According to the New York Post, Duwaji is co-hosting a women’s retreat that began on July 9 at a 15th-century monastery in Corsica, France. Organized by The Women Sanctuary, the event focuses on “Mary in the Quran.” Registration reportedly ranges from approximately $3,100 to more than $5,200, depending on accommodations.
While marketed as a spiritual gathering, the retreat has drawn attention for its unmistakable pro-Palestinian emphasis. One description of the event from The New York Post described Mary, the mother of Jesus, as “a Palestinian woman giving birth under occupation.” Duwaji is also attending the event after missing out on America’s 250th anniversary while traveling in Spain.
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The New York Post cited medieval historian Rachel Fulton Brown, who cautioned against projecting today’s geopolitical conflicts directly onto the life of Mary, arguing that such comparisons oversimplify both history and the current Middle East conflict.
That warning carries spiritual significance.
Mary’s identity is undoubtedly that of a Jewish woman living in a Jewish nation who miraculously became the mother of Jesus. Scripture presents her as the humble servant chosen to bear the Messiah—the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to Israel and the Savior of the world. She is not a political pawn in today’s conflicts.
As prophetic conversations surrounding Israel, deception and the last days continue to intensify, followers of Jesus must remain watchful. Political movements will rise. Competing narratives will grow louder. But the church’s assignment remains unchanged: stand firmly on biblical truth, exercise spiritual discernment and keep its eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, whose kingdom cannot be shaken.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
