Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani appeared on ABC7 with N.J. Burkett on March 13 to discuss recent comments by two Republicans invoking September 11 and the broader issue of Islamophobia in New York City.
The conversation addressed concerns about how public discourse can affect Muslim New Yorkers, who number around a million in the city. Mamdani said, “It is, and I think it’s — what makes it so concerning, frankly, is not that these are words being said about me, but frankly that these are words being said about a million or so Muslims who call this city their home.” He emphasized that many have felt tension between their identities as Muslims and as New Yorkers.
When asked how he handles personal attacks related to his faith, Mamdani responded, “It’s difficult. I think what fortifies me is the knowledge that this isn’t just about myself. This is about so many others.” He described his responsibility as mayor to ensure all residents feel they belong in the city.
Mamdani also spoke about the impact of critiques based on religion rather than policy: “What we’re talking about are critiques on the basis of our faith. And those are critiques that extend to so many more people. And they’re frankly not just critiques. We’re talking about racism and bigotry.” He shared experiences from community events such as iftar gatherings with Muslim city workers who face similar pressures.
Addressing whether he feels expected to apologize for his faith, Mamdani stated, “I will never apologize for who I am, for my faith and for the fact that there are so many more like me in this city, and what unites all of us is the fact that we’re New Yorkers.” He reflected on drawing inspiration from fellow New Yorkers practicing their faith openly.
In closing remarks, Mamdani expressed concern over current political discourse: “I despair over what has come to be accepted as political discourse… That, I think, is worthy of despair. And I think it requires all of us to speak of a vision that we have of a city and of a country where we do not call for the expulsion of people on the basis of their faith.”
