Imam Asad Zaman, executive director of the Muslim American Society in Minnesota, has been a recurring presence in the public life of Governor Tim Walz. He spoke at Walz’s inauguration in 2019, delivering a message of hope and social justice, and has appeared alongside the governor at various events since then. This close association has raised eyebrows, however, as Zaman has openly expressed views that have been deemed controversial, particularly his praise for Hamas and his past promotion of pro-Hitler content online.
Zaman, a Bangladeshi immigrant, has used his Facebook page to share official Hamas press releases, blog posts from antisemitic websites, and a link to a 2015 film titled ‘The Greatest Story Never Told,’ which the Anti-Defamation League considers to be antisemitic propaganda. His online activity has been a source of concern for those who monitor extremist groups and hate speech.
Furthermore, Zaman’s public comments about Hamas, a militant group widely considered a terrorist organization by the international community, have also generated controversy. He publicly commended Hamas after their attack on Israel in October 2023, highlighting a potential conflict of interest in his interactions with Governor Walz, who has condemned Hamas terrorism.
Walz’s administration has donated over $100,000 to Zaman’s organization, the Muslim American Society of Minnesota, according to state records. While the governor’s office insists that Walz and Zaman do not have a personal relationship, the ongoing association raises questions about the extent of their interaction and the implications of Walz’s support for an organization led by an individual with a history of promoting controversial and potentially dangerous views. The governor’s office has responded to these concerns by stating that Walz strongly condemns Hamas terrorism, while also maintaining that he does not have a personal relationship with Zaman. However, the public’s perception of this relationship may be difficult to sway given the documented interactions between the two figures and the controversies surrounding Zaman’s personal beliefs and online activity.
