The largely discredited theory states that Ashkenazi Jews are genetically descended from a Turkic minority that converted to Judaism in the Middle Ages rather than from the 12 tribes of Israel. 

It marked the second meeting between the two men since Mamdani's mayoral election win late last year.

Speaking before a crowd that included President Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Al Khaja framed peace with Israel as a strategic choice.

Trump has said the US would only admit 7,500 total refugees from around the world in fiscal year 2026, while a much higher cap of 40,000 to 60,000 was discussed internally last year.

The message was conveyed during an unreported meeting between a US State Department team and the Syrian Communications Minister, Abdulsalam Haykal, in San Francisco.