The mayor’s wife, Rama Duwaji, is drawing sharp attention for co-hosting an Islamic women’s “spiritual wellness” retreat on Corsica that highlights Mary as a Palestinian figure, and this has stirred criticism from the right over priorities, patriotism, and public image while also revisiting past controversial social posts and public apologies.
Rama Duwaji, identified as an artist and activist, is reported to be one of the hosts for a retreat billed as focusing on “Mary In The Quran” and spiritual renewal. The retreat promotes devotional practices, lectures, communal prayers, and time for reflection, with a price tag starting just over $4,000 per attendee.
The event literature points to Mary’s special place in Islamic scripture and even quotes: “She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur’an — mentioned 34 times — and the only one to have an entire chapter revealed in her name,” followed by, “Surah Maryam. Her story is not only one of divine motherhood, but of unwavering faith, sacred retreat, and total devotion to Allah.” Those lines are being used to frame the programming and draw participants seeking religious connection.
The optics are raw for many conservatives because this comes after a high-profile mayoral term defined by progressive positions, including being sworn into office on a Quran. Critics argue that the mayor’s household is signaling a political and cultural alignment that many feel is at odds with public celebrations and national observances. That tension has fueled a narrative that elected officials and their families owe visible loyalty to mainstream American traditions.
Duwaji previously attended a sold-out “Plants of the Quran” retreat in the Mediterranean and was described by organizers as an artist in residence and a host at past gatherings. Her recent travel patterns, including trips timed around national holidays, have been seized on by opponents as symbolic choices rather than private artistic or spiritual pursuits.
One blunt reaction framed the matter this way: “Nothing says ‘America 250’ quite like skipping the celebration for a Mediterranean vacation, but I am not surprised because she has made her hatred for America very evident,” and that sentiment has circulated widely among conservative circles. For many Republican voters, public figures who skip patriotic events in favor of overseas retreats invite scrutiny and political backlash.
Images of Duwaji traveling to past retreats were captured and shared publicly, and the reporting around her appearances emphasized the combination of spirituality and activism she brings to these events. The presence of a mayoral spouse on a prominently marketed spiritual retreat raises questions about influence, access, and what role public officials’ families play in shaping civic life.
The retreat itinerary mixes organic local meals, workshops, and guided devotional time to blend learning with personal reflection, and the organizers advertise opportunities to pray, meditate, journal, and enjoy the Mediterranean setting. That mix appeals to a niche audience seeking faith-based renewal, but it also means a luxury experience is being framed as spiritual work, which some see as tone-deaf for public figures tied to municipal responsibilities.
Past social media posts from Duwaji as a teenager became a flashpoint and prompted a public apology in the spring when she said she was “truly sorry” for hurting people with those posts. The apology did not enumerate every disputed post, but it was framed as an attempt to move past youthful mistakes while continuing her public-facing activities tied to the cause she champions.
Republican critics point to a pattern: a progressive mayor with radical policy stances, a household that emphasizes controversial positions, and a spouse whose public life intersects with overseas religious activism. For voters who prioritize national celebration and traditional civic duty, these intertwined personal and public choices create a persistent political headache that keeps resurfacing as local and national narratives collide.
https://x.com/ArynneWexler/status/2073055796095484295
