By Admin 
The rhetoric between Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani and his political opponents in the New York City mayoral election has recently escalated. Mamdani recently gave a speech to Muslim leaders outside a mosque in the Bronx, in which she shared that after 9/11, her aunt stopped riding the subway wearing a hijab because she felt a lack of safety.
Mamdani said this experience is common for many Muslims in New York and that he was advised to hide his religious identity if he entered politics. He stressed that every Muslim’s dream is to be given respect and equal status like any other New Yorker. After this statement, US Vice President J.D. Vance sarcastically said that, “According to Mamdani, the real victim of 9/11 was his aunt, who was just seen as bad by some people.” This statement became a topic of discussion in social media and media.
Opposition’s attack and allegations
Mamdani’s opponents are three main leaders: Curtis Sliwa (Republican), Andrew Cuomo (Independent) and Eric Adams (Democrat), who have abstained from the election this time. These leaders have accused Mamdani of having radical views, while the Democratic Party says that this is taking the form of Islamophobic rhetoric. Cuomo is accused of laughing at Mamdani’s insensitive comments on 9/11 in a radio show, although he later denied it. Mayor Adams said that New York should not be like Europe and asked to be cautious of Islamic extremism. Sliva described Mamdani as a supporter of “global jihad”.
Mamdani’s answer
Mamdani said that now they will not be afraid of their Muslim identity and will not make any changes in their religion, food or customs. He clarified that during his initial days in politics, he hid his identity so that people would not judge him only on the basis of his religion, but now he has decided to show himself in the light and fight openly for equal rights. He said, “I will not change my identity, nor my food, nor my beliefs. But I will no longer see myself in the shadow, I will find myself in the light.”
After this statement, the debate regarding the issue of Muslim identity and religious equality in the New York City Mayor elections has intensified. This issue could prove to be decisive for voters in this election contest as it highlights sensitive aspects of the city’s social and cultural diversity.
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