Zohran Mamdani Defends Muslim Identity Against 'Racist' Attacks
Democratic nominee for New York City mayor pledges to further embrace his Muslim identity.
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, pledged Friday to further embrace his Muslim identity in response to growing attacks by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his surrogates that he characterized as ‘racist and baseless.’
Encircled by faith leaders outside a Bronx mosque, Mamdani spoke emotionally about the ‘indignities’ long faced by the city’s Muslim population.
He choked back tears while describing his aunt’s decision not to ride the subway after the Sept. 11 attacks because she didn’t feel safe wearing a religious head covering.
Mamdani recounted how, when he first entered politics, an uncle gently suggested he keep his faith to himself.
‘These are lessons that so many Muslim New Yorkers have been taught,’ Mamdani said.
‘And over these last few days, these lessons have become the closing messages of Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa and Eric Adams.’
Throughout the race, Mamdani has been accused by Cuomo and others of having radical beliefs.
However, those attacks have intensified in recent days, with some Democrats accusing Cuomo’s campaign of leaning into Islamophobia.
On a conservative radio station, Cuomo appeared to laugh along at the host’s suggestion that Mamdani would ‘be cheering’ another 9/11 attack.
Hours later, Mayor Eric Adams invoked the possibility of terrorist attacks in New York City, seemingly suggesting without explanation that they would be more likely under a Mamdani administration.
At a debate earlier this week, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa falsely smeared Mamdani as a supporter of ‘global jihad.’ Messages left with Adams’ and Sliwa’s campaign were not immediately returned.
A spokesperson for Cuomo said the former governor did not agree with the radio host’s comments.
Mamdani aimed his speech at fellow Muslim New Yorkers, stating that the dream of every Muslim is to be treated the same as any other New Yorker.
He declared, ‘No more,’ and vowed not to change who he is or how he practices his faith in response to attacks.
Mamdani emphasized that he will find himself in the light rather than hiding in the shadows.
Mamdani, who won the primary in a stunning fashion, has faced skepticism from some in the Democratic establishment due to his criticism of Israel.
On Friday, Mamdani earned the endorsement of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Encircled by faith leaders outside a Bronx mosque, Mamdani spoke emotionally about the ‘indignities’ long faced by the city’s Muslim population.
He choked back tears while describing his aunt’s decision not to ride the subway after the Sept. 11 attacks because she didn’t feel safe wearing a religious head covering.
Mamdani recounted how, when he first entered politics, an uncle gently suggested he keep his faith to himself.
‘These are lessons that so many Muslim New Yorkers have been taught,’ Mamdani said.
‘And over these last few days, these lessons have become the closing messages of Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa and Eric Adams.’
Throughout the race, Mamdani has been accused by Cuomo and others of having radical beliefs.
However, those attacks have intensified in recent days, with some Democrats accusing Cuomo’s campaign of leaning into Islamophobia.
On a conservative radio station, Cuomo appeared to laugh along at the host’s suggestion that Mamdani would ‘be cheering’ another 9/11 attack.
Hours later, Mayor Eric Adams invoked the possibility of terrorist attacks in New York City, seemingly suggesting without explanation that they would be more likely under a Mamdani administration.
At a debate earlier this week, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa falsely smeared Mamdani as a supporter of ‘global jihad.’ Messages left with Adams’ and Sliwa’s campaign were not immediately returned.
A spokesperson for Cuomo said the former governor did not agree with the radio host’s comments.
Mamdani aimed his speech at fellow Muslim New Yorkers, stating that the dream of every Muslim is to be treated the same as any other New Yorker.
He declared, ‘No more,’ and vowed not to change who he is or how he practices his faith in response to attacks.
Mamdani emphasized that he will find himself in the light rather than hiding in the shadows.
Mamdani, who won the primary in a stunning fashion, has faced skepticism from some in the Democratic establishment due to his criticism of Israel.
On Friday, Mamdani earned the endorsement of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
