New York Magazine’s ‘Habibi City’ celebrates 'jihad chic,' while pushing Jews out of the picture

New York Magazine's "Habibi City" cover story is criticized for promoting "jihad chic" and excluding Jewish communities. The article, which focuses on "SWANA" (Southwest Asian and North African) culture, defines this community as embracing beliefs such as "Palestinians deserve human rights" and that events in Gaza after October 7 constitute "genocide." The author argues that the package virtually erases Mizrahi Jewish communities in New York, numbering around 140,000, and only features anti-Zionist Jewish voices. The piece also highlights instances of cultural appropriation concerns, with one Jewish chef ceasing to make falafel due to sensitivities. The article draws parallels to Tom Wolfe's "Radical Chic," suggesting a similar trivialization of serious issues and a romanticizing of certain political stances.