The wife of New York City's mayor is co-hosting an Islamic women's "spiritual wellness" retreat on the French island of Corsica. The retreat frames the Virgin Mary as a "Palestinian woman" under occupation. The event, titled "Mary In The Quran," is a sold-out gathering that started on July 11 and will run until July 14.
The retreat's website describes the Virgin Mary as a revered figure in Islam, mentioned 34 times in the Qur'an, and the only woman to have an entire chapter revealed in her name. The chapter, Surah Maryam, tells the story of Mary's divine motherhood, unwavering faith, and devotion to Allah.
The mayor's wife, a Syrian American artist, has faced scrutiny for her outspoken pro-Palestinian activism. She previously traveled to Mallorca, Spain, for a sold-out retreat organized by The Women Sanctuary, a women's retreat organization rooted in Islamic tradition and spiritual renewal.
The Women Sanctuary describes its retreats as offering spiritual renewal and mindful reflection in Mediterranean destinations. The cost of the current retreat in France starts at just over $4,000 per attendee. The event includes daily organic meals, communal prayers, devotional practices, lectures, and workshops.
Participants in the retreat also have free time to pray, meditate, journal, relax by the pool, or explore the island. The event combines guided learning with personal reflection. The mayor's wife was seen boarding a flight to Mallorca's capital city over a patriotic holiday weekend last year.
The mayor's wife publicly apologized in April for offensive posts she made as a teenager. She said she was truly sorry for the hurt they caused, though she did not specify which posts she was addressing. The mayor, who took office in January 2026, became the first New York City mayor to be sworn in on a Quran.
