New York, USA — New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani delivered an impassioned speech outside the Islamic Cultural Center of the Bronx on Friday, forcefully denouncing a wave of Islamophobic rhetoric that has surfaced in the final stretch of the city’s 2025 mayoral race.
Just a day before early voting begins, Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor, spoke emotionally about the “racist, baseless attacks” launched by his political rivals. His remarks, delivered before a diverse crowd of supporters, community leaders, and reporters, underscored the broader issue of Islamophobia in New York politics — and its harmful impact on nearly one million Muslims living across the city.
“To Be Muslim in New York Is to Expect Indignity”
Mamdani’s remarks carried a powerful message about dignity and belonging.
“To be Muslim in New York is to expect indignity,” he said, “but indignity does not make us distinct. There are many New Yorkers who face it. It is the tolerance of that indignity that does.”
The comments came amid growing tensions in a campaign season that has seen a resurgence of anti-Muslim sentiment and racially charged attacks against the progressive lawmaker. Mamdani said he had hoped to center his campaign on housing affordability, public safety, and economic equity, but instead found himself forced to confront a coordinated smear campaign fueled by fear and prejudice.
Cuomo and Sliwa Under Fire for Islamophobic Remarks
Mamdani’s speech followed a series of controversial remarks by his rivals. On Thursday, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo appeared on a radio show where host Sid Rosenberg suggested that Mamdani “would be cheering” if another September 11 attack occurred.
Cuomo, who lost to Mamdani in the Democratic primary but remains on the ballot, responded by agreeing: “That’s another problem.” The comment sparked immediate outrage across the political spectrum.
Basim Elkarra, executive director of Muslim advocacy group CAIR Action, condemned Cuomo’s words as “despicable, dangerous, and disqualifying.”
“By agreeing with a racist radio host who suggested a Muslim elected official would ‘cheer’ another 9/11, Cuomo crossed a moral line,” Elkarra said. “This kind of hate speech shows exactly the kind of leader he is — someone who would rather stoke fear than bring people together.”
Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa was also called out by Mamdani for claiming during a televised debate that the Democratic candidate supports “global jihad.” Mamdani accused both Cuomo and Sliwa of exploiting anti-Muslim stereotypes for political gain.
“They imply that I am a terrorist or mock the way I eat,” Mamdani said, adding that these tactics “do nothing but divide a city that needs healing.”
Personal Reflections: “They Told Me Not to Say I’m Muslim”
In one of the most poignant moments of his speech, Mamdani shared personal stories of discrimination and fear within New York’s Muslim community. He recalled his aunt, who stopped taking the subway after the 9/11 attacks because she felt unsafe in her hijab.
He also spoke of a campaign staff member who had the word “terrorist” spray-painted on their garage.
“I was told early in my political career that I didn’t have to tell people I’m Muslim if I wanted to win elections,” Mamdani said. “But I refuse to hide who I am — because representation matters, and visibility is power.”
A Wave of Support from Progressive Leaders
Despite facing relentless attacks, Mamdani’s campaign continues to gain momentum. On Friday, he secured a long-awaited endorsement from Hakeem Jeffries, the leader of the Democratic Party in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Jeffries joined a growing list of prominent backers, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senator Bernie Sanders.
However, some establishment Democrats, such as Senator Chuck Schumer, have remained silent — a sign of ongoing tension between the party’s progressive and centrist factions.
Current mayor Eric Adams, who bowed out of the race amid corruption allegations, endorsed Cuomo this week, though his name will still appear on the ballot.
According to a recent AARP and Gotham Polling and Analytics survey, Mamdani leads the race with 43.2% of voter support, ahead of Cuomo’s 28.9% and Sliwa’s 19.4%. Only 8.4% of voters remain undecided.
The poll also found that cost of living, public safety, and housing affordability remain the top concerns for New Yorkers heading into the November 4 general election.
Islamophobia and Identity in the Heart of New York
Mamdani’s defiant tone reflects a growing determination among Muslim Americans to challenge prejudice and claim their place in the nation’s political landscape.
“Islamophobia doesn’t just target Muslims,” Mamdani said. “It corrodes the values that make New York strong — diversity, solidarity, and courage.”
As early voting begins, the 2025 New York City mayoral race has become about more than politics. It’s a referendum on the city’s identity — and on whether it can live up to its promise as a home for people of all faiths and backgrounds.
For Zohran Mamdani, the fight is personal — and his message is clear: “We will not be defined by hate. We will define this city by hope.”
Leave a Reply