A plastic surgeon who provided testimony in support of a terrorist responsible for the devastating 1993 World Trade Center bombing is edging closer to securing a seat in the U.S. Congress representing New Jersey. Adam Hisham Hamawy, 56, emerged victorious from a crowded 12-way Democratic primary election on Tuesday night, positioning himself as the likely successor to Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman in November.
Background on the Candidate
Coleman, a progressive liberal, has represented the Garden State's 12th Congressional District for a decade. However, if the Egyptian-born former Army combat surgeon maintains his current trajectory, he could unseat her. Throughout his campaign, the father of four has faced increasing scrutiny over his past actions, specifically his testimony on behalf of Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, a blind militant Islamist convicted of inspiring terrorist attacks, including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing that claimed six lives and injured thousands.
Connection to the 'Blind Sheikh'
Rahman, widely known as 'The Blind Sheikh', was a prominent figure among Al-Qaeda terrorists. He passed away in February 2017 while serving a life sentence in federal custody. Hamawy's association with the convicted terrorist came to light following a report by Jewish Insider, which revealed that Hamawy acted as Rahman's translator during a press conference where the mastermind denied involvement in the attack. At the time, Hamawy was a 26-year-old medical student. He also translated for the sheikh during his trial and served as a defense witness.
Defense of His Actions
Hamawy and his campaign have vigorously defended his connection to Rahman. A spokesperson told the Daily Mail that Hamawy 'condemns that man's violent rhetoric and actions, and all violence, hatred, and terrorism — and he will always.' The spokesperson added, 'At the time, the man in question was one of very few religious figures in what was then a very small Muslim community in New Jersey – he saw him speak in religious settings in his early 20s. Dr. Hamawy had no contact with this person after they were arrested.'
Response to Backlash
After his primary victory, Hamawy appeared to address the criticism regarding his ties to Rahman. 'Things got nasty. My family got attacked. My values were questioned,' he said, according to The New York Times. The doctor, who testified before Congress in June 2024 about his experiences treating patients in Gaza, framed his win as evidence that 'anti-Muslim' attacks would not deter him. 'There once was a time where this might have worked, when racist and anti-Muslim attacks would have turned an election. But tonight we proved that this era of American politics is over,' he stated.
Political and Professional Background
Hamawy operates his own plastic surgery practice in Princeton, just over an hour outside New York City. A first-time candidate, he entered politics after feeling that lawmakers in Washington were not listening to his accounts from a humanitarian mission to the European Hospital in southern Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war.
Reactions from Opponents and Supporters
News of his ties to the 1993 bombing elicited strong reactions from Republicans. Montana Republican Senator Tim Sheehy remarked, 'Democrats are now running actual terrorists for Congress. Surprising? No. Disappointing? Yes.' New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer previously told Jewish Insider he had 'deep concerns' about Hamawy's 'associations with terrorist organizations and leaders who have attacked America.' Conversely, Hamawy has garnered support from prominent Democrats, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Senator Bernie Sanders, and controversial Twitch streamer Hasan Piker.
