Recently, Zoran Mamdani, the leading left-wing candidate for mayor, appeared in good spirits as he took photos with an individual linked to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Yet, he found himself emotional when reflecting on his Muslim aunt, who lived in fear after 9/11. He pledged at City Hall not to conceal his faith if he wins.
The Democratic Socialists have, previously, refrained from denouncing the anti-Semitic phrase “globalizing the intifada,” often interpreted as inciting violence against Jews. This past Friday, they criticized former governor Andrew Cuomo and others for stoking Islamophobia in an effort to undermine his electoral campaign.
“I want to honor my aunt’s memory,” Mamdani shared at the Islamic Cultural Center in the Bronx. He recounted how she felt unsafe wearing her hijab after the September 11 attacks, pausing as he fought back tears.
He expressed his commitment to advocating for New York City’s Muslim community, should he be elected mayor next month. “Every Muslim in New York deserves to be treated equally, but for too long, we’ve been told to settle for less,” he said. Then, emphatically, “No more.”
“I’m not going to change who I am or what I believe,” he continued. “However, I will no longer seek myself in shadows, but in the light.”
Mamdani’s heartfelt address followed a wave of anti-Muslim rhetoric from his opponents on the campaign trail. For instance, in a radio interview, Cuomo laughed at a host’s remark suggesting Mamdani would “support” him in the event of another 9/11.
During his speech, he accused Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa of unfairly maligning him in the final mayoral debate, claiming the socialist councilman endorsed “global jihad.”
“In times when bipartisan cooperation declines, Islamophobia seems to be one of the few points of consensus,” he remarked.
Interestingly, he didn’t mention his visit with Imam Siraj Wahaj on October 17, which has drawn some criticism in recent days.
Mamdani had earlier shared a photo with Wahaj and city council member Youssef Salam on social media, but later downplayed the significance of the meeting. “This same imam has interacted with Mayor Bloomberg and Mayor de Blasio, even campaigned with Eric Adams. Yet, it’s only now that my meeting with him has garnered national attention,” he stated. “It’s due to my faith and my potential to win this election.”
If he does secure victory, Mamdani would become the first Muslim mayor of New York City.
