Socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani spoke passionately about Islamophobia during a recent speech in front of a mosque in New York City. The event took place just one day before early voting began for the competitive mayoral race. Mamdani shared a personal story about his aunt, a Muslim woman who stopped using the subway after the September 11 attacks because she felt unsafe wearing her hijab.
Mamdani’s speech was emotional as he condemned the racist attacks he has faced from opponents like Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. He described these attacks as "baseless" and hurtful. Fighting back tears, he remembered his aunt and the fear she experienced in the wake of 9/11. “I want to speak to the memory of my aunt, who stopped taking the subway after September 11th because she did not feel safe in her hijab,” he said.
He also reflected on his own experiences growing up as a Muslim in New York City, where he felt an undercurrent of suspicion. “To be Muslim in New York is to expect indignity,” he explained, emphasizing that many New Yorkers face similar challenges. He criticized the tolerance of such indignities, saying it should not be accepted.
Mamdani’s remarks came after a controversial exchange between Cuomo and a conservative radio host. They discussed what a future terrorist attack might look like if Mamdani were mayor. Cuomo’s comments, which included a suggestion that Mamdani would somehow support such an attack, were met with outrage from Mamdani, who called the remarks "disgusting" and "Islamophobic."
Throughout his campaign, Mamdani has taken strong positions against racism and discrimination. He has also been vocal about his anti-Israel stance, advocating for boycotts of Israeli institutions and expressing support for individuals linked to Hamas in his music career. During his recent speech, he acknowledged that the negative attention he has received has made him reevaluate his belief that he could rise above his faith in the public eye.
“I was wrong,” he said, reflecting on how persistent racism has shaped his experience in the race. With the election approaching, Mamdani’s focus on social justice and equality continues to resonate with many voters in the city.
