 |
| Zohran Mamdani Embraces Muslim Identity in Bronx |
New York, October 24, 2025 — New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani delivered one of his most emotional speeches yet on Friday outside a Bronx mosque. Standing before hundreds of supporters at the Islamic Cultural Center of the Bronx, Mamdani openly embraced his Muslim identity and strongly condemned the Islamophobia he says has been fueled by his political rivals.
The speech came just days before early voting begins in the New York City mayoral race. Mamdani, who could become the first Muslim mayor in the city’s history, appeared visibly emotional as he shared personal stories about his family and his community’s experiences with discrimination.
Table of Contents
- A Personal and Emotional Message
- Accusations of Islamophobia
- Support and Reactions
- Rising Tensions Around Faith and Politics
- Political Stakes Ahead of Election
- Sources
A Personal and Emotional Message
Mamdani’s voice trembled as he spoke about his aunt’s fears after the 9/11 attacks. He said she stopped using the subway because she felt unsafe wearing her hijab in public.
“I thought that if I behaved well enough, or stayed quiet in the face of racist attacks, I would be seen as more than just my faith,” Mamdani said, pausing to hold back tears. “I was wrong. No amount of silence will ever make us invisible.”
He continued, “I will not change who I am, how I eat, or the faith I proudly call my own. From today, I will no longer hide in the shadows. I will find myself in the light.”
The crowd applauded as Mamdani wiped his eyes, surrounded by supporters holding signs that read “We Belong” and “Muslim and Proud.”
Accusations of Islamophobia
Mamdani directly accused former governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams of promoting or tolerating anti-Muslim bias in their recent remarks.
He pointed to a radio interview where Cuomo appeared to laugh at a host’s suggestion that Mamdani might “cheer” another 9/11-style attack. Mamdani also criticized Adams for linking him to “extremist views,” which his campaign says is an unfair and dangerous accusation.
“These are not small words,” Mamdani said. “They make Muslim children afraid to say their names in class. They make women scared to wear hijab on the street. They make every one of us feel unsafe in our own city.”
Support and Reactions
The speech drew both praise and criticism from across the political spectrum. Supporters like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf praised Mamdani’s honesty and courage.
“Hate cannot define who we are as New Yorkers,” Jeffries posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Zohran Mamdani’s leadership and strength represent the best of this city.”
However, conservative voices including Senator JD Vance mocked Mamdani online, accusing him of “playing identity politics.” Mamdani’s campaign dismissed the comments as another example of Islamophobia.
Rising Tensions Around Faith and Politics
Mamdani’s message comes at a time when Islamophobia is on the rise across the United States. According to FBI data, hate crimes targeting Muslims have increased sharply since 2001, with repeated spikes in recent years.
For many Muslim New Yorkers, Mamdani’s words reflected their own experiences. Fatima Khan, a 23-year-old Bronx resident who attended the speech, said, “He said what we’ve all been feeling for years. We love this city, but we are always treated like outsiders. Today, I felt seen.”
Political Stakes Ahead of Election
Mamdani’s campaign focuses on housing reform, economic fairness, and inclusivity. His decision to speak openly about his faith marks a turning point in his political journey and could mobilize minority voters across New York’s boroughs.
At the same time, critics warn that emphasizing religious identity could polarize the electorate. In a statement, Andrew Cuomo accused Mamdani of “using religion to divide voters.” The Adams campaign declined to comment.
Still, Mamdani ended his remarks with a message of unity and pride.
“I will no longer apologize for being Muslim,” he said. “I will no longer apologize for being proud. And I will no longer apologize for being a New Yorker who believes that faith and justice can walk hand in hand.”
As supporters cheered, the event felt less like a campaign rally and more like a moment of reflection — a call for dignity, identity, and hope in the face of prejudice.
Post a Comment