<p>Guy Benson, a columnist for the Washington Examiner, has raised concerns regarding New Jersey Democratic congressional candidate Adam Hamawy and his connections to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.</p>
<p>Benson highlighted that Hamawy's previous legal and international work might present political challenges for the Democratic Party.</p>
<p>In 1994, Hamawy volunteered in Bosnia with the Benevolence International Foundation, a nonprofit group that was later shut down for providing logistical support to al Qaeda. Hamawy, who is a plastic surgeon, also volunteered at a hospital in Gaza during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which garnered him support from some Democrats. He testified in favor of Omar Abdel-Rahman, known as “The Blind Sheikh,” during his trial for the bombing, accompanied him on a trip, and translated documents for him.</p>
<p>Benson referenced a recent radio interview with former federal prosecutor Andrew McCarthy, who prosecuted the original case, emphasizing the scrutiny surrounding Hamawy’s past. McCarthy noted that the investigation into the Blind Sheikh involved not only the World Trade Center bombing but also a broader terrorist plot targeting various New York landmarks.</p>
<p>Benson stated, “The man you just mentioned, running for Congress in New Jersey, was his interpreter, traveled around with him, was a confidant, and was a defense witness at that trial.”</p>
<p>Further, Benson cited reporting from Jewish Insider that brought additional attention to Hamawy’s overseas activities, suggesting a connection between his involvement in Bosnia and al Qaeda.</p>
<p>McCarthy elaborated on the significance of the Bosnia connection, explaining that extremist leaders sought to replicate recruitment models from previous conflicts. He suggested that Hamawy’s activities abroad may have been influenced by a desire for status within certain ideological circles.</p>
<p>Benson concluded by questioning whether Democrats would nominate someone with such a background for Congress, particularly in a state that experienced significant loss during the 9/11 attacks.</p>
