If you’re curious about why the New York City Council often feels ineffective, take a look at Shahana Hanif, who was co-chair of the Task Force to Combat Hate. It’s reminiscent of how the United Nations seems to bolster countries like Iran and Cuba despite their questionable human rights records.
The Park Slope Democratic Party hit a new low recently when two Muslim women spoke out at a protest against Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s criticism of Israel and perceived anti-Semitism. During the event, Hanif implored God to send them to “jahanam,” which is described in the Quran as the worst part of hell.
Despite her hateful remarks, she continues to portray herself as an advocate for love and tolerance.
In light of increasing anti-Semitism, the City Council overwhelmingly voted in April 2023 to designate April 29 as a “Day to End Hatred of Jews.” Hanif stood out as one of the few who opposed this resolution. She argued that there was “harmful rhetoric” associated with it, irrespective of its well-meaning intentions, and asserted her strong opposition to “hatred in all its forms.”
Fast forward six months, and Hanif attributed the October 7 tragedy to the “illegal, immoral and unjust occupation of the Palestinian people.”
A few weeks later, she found herself arrested for protesting against “apartheid and genocide.”
Notably, the Palestinian population has surged in the years since Israel’s alleged actions against Palestinians, and Gaza’s numbers have grown despite ongoing conflicts with Hamas. I really can’t support genocide, you know?
Speaker Adrian Adams appointed Hanif as co-chair of the anti-hate committee, likely aiming to improve her public image. True to the typical leadership style of the City Council, the committee spent two years conducting discussions with public school students about their experiences with hate crimes. Their conclusion was a push for the city to “move away from punitive measures like detentions and suspensions” in addressing hate and instead focus on facilitating “meaningful conversations.”
So, it wasn’t surprising that when thousands protested Mamdani’s tolerance of anti-Semitism last Tuesday, Hanif was outraged that two Muslims participated.
New Chair Julie Menin is striving to transform the City Council into a more accountable legislative body. A key indicator of her success might be whether she can distance herself from this self-righteous and hypocritical figure.
Any organization that fails to see Shahana Hanif as a liability is not worthy of respect.
