Personal Profile

Aber Kawas is a Palestinian-American community organizer, political activist and politician. She gained national attention after winning the 2026 New York State Senate election, becoming the first Palestinian-American elected to the New York State Legislature. She represents a new generation of political organizers working on immigrant rights, workers' rights and social justice.

Early Life & Background

• Full Name: Aber Kawas

• Known As: Aber Kawas

• Date of Birth: March 8, 1992

• Age: 34 years (as of 2026)

• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States

• Nationality: American

• Heritage: Palestinian-American

• Profession: Politician, Community Organizer and Activist

Aber Kawas was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, in a working-class family. Her parents are Palestinian refugees. Her father's detention by U.S. immigration authorities and subsequent deportation had a major influence on her interest in community organizing and immigrant rights.

Education

Kawas studied International Studies at The City College of New York and graduated in 2014. She also pursued postgraduate studies in religion and social justice at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.

Career

Community Organizing

Aber Kawas has more than a decade of experience in community organizing and public advocacy. She worked with the Arab American Association of New York, where she helped organize campaigns involving workers' rights, immigration reform and community representation.

She also worked with organizations focused on police accountability and civil liberties. Her professional experience includes serving as Associate Director of Partnerships at the CUNY Creating Law Enforcement Accountability and Responsibility (CLEAR) project.

Political Career

Kawas entered electoral politics by running for New York State Senate District 12 in 2026. She won the Democratic primary in June 2026, defeating Assemblymember Steven Raga.

She went on to win the November 3, 2026 general election. Her victory made her the first Palestinian-American elected to the New York State Legislature.

Political Priorities

Her campaign focused on affordable housing, healthcare, workers' rights, public transportation, immigrant protection and climate action. She has also advocated for greater police accountability and stronger support for working-class communities.

Personal Life

Aber Kawas is the daughter of Palestinian refugees and has spoken publicly about her family's immigration experiences. She generally keeps details of her private and family life away from the public spotlight.

Aber Kawas – Info