A former New York firefighter and Air Force veteran whose brother perished in the September 11 terrorist attacks has publicly criticized recent Democratic primary winners, alleging connections to radical Islamic groups. Don Arias, who witnessed the 1993 World Trade Center bombing firsthand and later lost his sibling in the 2001 tragedy, expressed profound concerns about candidates he believes hold extremist sympathies securing party nominations. His brother Adam worked on the 84th floor of the South Tower and spoke with Don the morning of the attack, describing the chaos as victims jumped from the burning structure.
The controversy centers on Dr. Adam Hamawy, a veteran combat plastic surgeon who won the Democratic nomination for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District on June 2. Hamawy emerged victorious in a crowded primary to replace outgoing Representative Bonnie Watson-Coleman. Despite his medical and military credentials, Hamawy faces scrutiny over historical associations with Omar Abdel-Rahman, known as the “Blind Sheikh,” who masterminded the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and died in federal custody in 2017.
Historical connections raise concerns among victims’ families
Records show that Hamawy met Abdel-Rahman in 1991 when he was a young adult and subsequently accompanied the religious figure to various mosques. That same year, Hamawy, the sheikh, and others embarked on a 13-hour drive from New Jersey to Detroit to attend a conference titled “Towards a Global Islamic Economy.” The congressional candidate later provided testimony for the defense during Abdel-Rahman’s trial, stating he never heard the sheikh discuss violent jihad.
Arias questioned the credibility of these claims, arguing that spending extensive time with such a figure makes ignorance of extremist ideology implausible. He emphasized that character judgment should consider one’s associations, expressing skepticism that Hamawy’s military service and medical practice outweigh the significance of his past connections. The firefighter-turned-advocate stated he would not allow these historical relationships to fade from public memory.
Additional controversial affiliations emerge from candidate’s past
In 1994, Hamawy participated in what he described as a humanitarian mission to Bosnia, working with the Benevolence International Foundation. Following the September 11 attacks, the U.S. government designated this organization as a terrorism financier due to established connections with al Qaeda. The association adds another layer of complexity to the candidate’s background as he seeks federal office.
- Hamawy served as a translator and companion to the Blind Sheikh for several years in the early 1990s
- He testified as a character witness during the terrorist’s criminal trial
- His humanitarian work involved an organization later linked to al Qaeda financing
- Despite military service credentials, historical associations continue generating controversy
Arias maintains that voters lack sufficient awareness of candidates’ backgrounds, suggesting that comprehensive research would prevent such individuals from winning nominations. He advocates for bringing these historical connections to the forefront of public discourse, believing informed voters would make different choices at the ballot box.
Socialist candidate with controversial 9/11 statements also wins nomination
The concerns extend beyond New Jersey to New York, where Aber Kawas secured the Democratic nomination for State Senate District 12. Kawas, the daughter of undocumented immigrants, previously made controversial statements about the September 11 attacks during a 2017 podcast appearance with the Asian American Writers’ Association.
In the episode titled “Islamophobia beyond 9/11 with Aber Kawas,” she contextualized the attacks within broader systems of capitalism, racism, and what she termed White supremacy. She criticized expectations that Muslim Americans should apologize for terrorism while historical atrocities like slavery and genocide receive insufficient acknowledgment or reparations. The comments drew sharp rebuke from those personally affected by the 2001 attacks.
Education system blamed for enabling radical candidates
Arias directed criticism toward American educational institutions, characterizing them as pipelines for far-left activism rather than balanced learning. He attributed support for candidates like Hamawy and Kawas to what he described as ideological grooming in schools and universities. The veteran suggested that young voters possess insufficient critical thinking skills to evaluate candidates’ backgrounds properly.
He expressed bewilderment at how citizens develop antagonistic relationships with their own country, placing responsibility squarely on academic institutions for fostering radical ideologies. The sweep of progressive candidates in recent New York City and New Jersey primaries represents a significant shift in Democratic Party composition, with establishment figures losing ground to younger, more left-leaning challengers backed by grassroots movements and progressive organizations.
Broader implications for Democratic Party direction
The electoral success of these candidates signals a generational and ideological transformation within Democratic politics, particularly in urban areas with diverse populations. Traditional party structures face challenges from activists who prioritize systemic critique over incremental reform, reshaping primary electorates and policy priorities. The victories reflect changing demographics and political priorities among younger voters who view historical events through different analytical frameworks than previous generations.
Critics like Arias represent a counternarrative emphasizing national security concerns and skepticism toward candidates with controversial associations, regardless of subsequent military or professional service. The tension between progressive activists seeking transformative change and voices advocating caution regarding candidates’ historical connections will likely intensify as primary season continues. Both Hamawy and Kawas now advance to general elections in heavily Democratic districts, making their victories in November highly probable barring extraordinary circumstances.
