Zohran Mamdani, a frontrunner in the New York City mayoral race, delivered an emotional speech at the Islamic Cultural Center of The Bronx, recalling the fears of his Muslim aunt following the September 11 attacks. The Democratic socialist, who has faced criticism for past remarks related to antisemitism, pledged to embrace his faith openly if elected mayor. His remarks come as the campaign heats up, with accusations of Islamophobia directed at his opponents.
In front of a supportive crowd, Mamdani, visibly shaken, recounted how his aunt refrained from taking the subway after the attacks due to her fears of being targeted for wearing a hijab. “I want to speak to the memory of my aunt,” he said, pausing to compose himself, “who stopped taking the subway after Sept. 11th because she did not feel safe in her hijab.” He emphasized the need for New York City’s Muslim community to be treated as equals.
Mamdani criticized former Governor Andrew Cuomo and other political rivals for fueling Islamophobia as a tactic to undermine his campaign. In a pointed rebuttal, he recalled a recent radio interview where Cuomo laughed at a suggestion that Mamdani would celebrate another attack similar to 9/11. This incident, he argued, reflects a troubling trend of anti-Muslim sentiment among some politicians.
“Every Muslim dreams of being treated as any other New Yorker, yet for too long we have been told to ask for less,” Mamdani stated. “No more.” He vowed to reject any pressure to conceal his identity, asserting, “I will not change who I am, how I eat, or the faith that I’m proud to call my own.” He expressed a determination to step out of the shadows and embrace his identity fully.
Mamdani also addressed accusations from fellow candidates, including Curtis Sliwa, who claimed during a debate that the Queens assemblyman supports “global jihad.” Mamdani refuted these claims, asserting that Islamophobia has become a rare point of agreement in a politically polarized environment.
The speech followed a recent meeting with controversial Imam Siraj Wahhaj on October 17, 2023, which Mamdani downplayed despite the backlash it generated. He defended the meeting, stating that Wahhaj has interacted with prominent political figures like former Mayors Michael Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio. “The only time it became an issue of national attention was when I met with him,” Mamdani remarked, attributing the scrutiny to his faith and current standing in the election.
If elected, Mamdani would make history as the first Muslim mayor of New York City, a position he sees as an opportunity to advocate for greater inclusivity and representation for the Muslim community. His candidacy is viewed as a potential turning point in the city’s political landscape, highlighting the ongoing challenges and aspirations of marginalized groups in the wake of heightened social tensions.
As the election approaches, Mamdani’s commitment to his faith and the Muslim community remains at the forefront of his campaign, as he seeks to reshape the narrative around Islam in New York City politics.
