Zohran Mamdani is Our Hero.

Shamsi Ali Al-Newyurki*

For the Muslim community who experienced the 9/11 events in 2001 and the days that followed, we are certainly reminded of how difficult and terrifying those times were. Not only is the Muslim community an integral part of New York City, that an attack and suffering experienced by this city are also attack and suffering experienced by us, the Muslim community. We are not separated from the city we love and consider New York City our own home.

But more than that, what hurts and saddens us the most is when the religion we love, a religion that promotes peace and respect for human life, is accused of inspiring those terrorist attacks. The perpetrators were identified as Muslims led by a former fighter who was once facilitated and supported by America, named Osama bin Laden, with the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization becoming the most popular in the world.

Because the perpetrators were Muslims and Islam itself was accused of inspiring the attacks, the world instantly viewed Muslims with suspicion and fear. It's not just suspicion and fear; it's as if all Muslims around the world have become terrorist collaborators or even terrorists themselves. The war commanded by President George W. Bush at that time was called the "war on terror," but it was essentially interpreted as a "war on Islam," although it was seasoned with the term "extremist Islam."

New York City, as the epicenter of the so-called "terror attack" or more popularly known as the "9/11 terror attack," also became the center of the war on terror. Almost everything Islamic was suppressed and suspected of being part of terrorism. Even names that are closely associated with Islam, such as Muhammad, Omar, Ali, and so on, became names suspected of being collaborators, if not terrorists themselves. 

This situation puts the Muslim community in a profound test, which becomes a distinguishing factor between those who are strong and sincere in their faith and those who are weak and insincere. Some members of the Muslim community in New York and America remained steadfast and unshakable. However, not a few were shaken, changed their names, and hid out of fear of being known as Muslims.

Zohran Mamdani, the Game Changer 

This situation has lasted for a long time with varying frequencies until now. The ongoing fear experienced by the Muslim community allows anti-Islam and Muslim parties, including opportunistic politicians, to use the 9/11 tragedy as a tool to attack Islam and the Muslim community. Often, the Muslim community becomes defensive, even silently accepting it as if it were destiny that Allah has ordained.

About six years ago, a young man bravely ran for a seat in the New York State Assembly, unapologetically identifying himself as a proud Muslim. This young politician, Zohran Mamdani, an immigrant who came to the United States at the age of 7 from Uganda with South Asian descent, won the seat, defeating the incumbent representative. Mamdani's success didn't stop there. About a year ago, he started his campaign for New York City Mayor, despite having less than 2% popularity. However, his strong determination, hard work, and organizational experience paid off when he won the Democratic primary election last June.

Mamdani is known for being bold, honest, and unwavering in the face of challenges. From the start of his campaign, he proudly declared himself as "the first Muslim candidate for NYC Mayor." Unfortunately, his Muslim identity and stance against the Israeli genocide Gaza and Zionism became a liability for him. His opponents accused him of being anti-Semitic. A prominent Jewish rabbi, whom know personally, in New York City even claimed that Mamdani poses a threat to the safety of the Jewish community. Over 650 Jewish Rabbis signed a petition rejecting Mamdani, which was seized upon by his opponent, Andrew Cuomo, as a campaign ammunition.

What's more shameful, Cuomo infamously linked Mamdani's candidacy to the 9/11 attacks, implying that Mamdani would be unable to handle terrorist attacks and might even celebrate if such an attack occurred in New York City again. This rhetoric was not only divisive but also an attempt to discredit Mamdani based on his faith and background. Beyond that it’s a blatant bigotry and Islamophobia. 

Cuomo's ignorance was compounded by incumbent Mayor Eric Adams' support, saying that if Zohran becomes mayor, New York will be like Europe, implying it would be filled with radical and terrorist immigrants. This stance from Eric is a stark display of hypocrisy, given his recent efforts to welcome numerous new immigrants to New York City. After being saved by Donald Trump from legal troubles related to corruption scandals, Eric has now shifted to support Trump's anti-immigrant policies.

This situation has only strengthened Zohran's resolve to proudly present himself as a Muslim candidate who stands for universal values and justice. He boldly declared that the time has come for the Muslim community to step out of the shadows and proudly assert their identity in New York City. It's time to emerge from hiding, showcase their contributions, and play a significant role in building a better New York city for all its citizens.

For the Muslim community, Zohran Mamdani's presence at the forefront of politics and public life is a great blessing from Allah, given to the Muslim community in New York, America, and even the world. He breaks down walls of ignorance and hatred, challenging those who want to see Muslims as weak, marginalized, and victims of different types of evil manipulation.

Mamdani's journey is seen as a symbol of hope for many, especially in the context of his potential to become the first Muslim mayor of New York City. The Muslim community owe Zohran and must appreciate him by ensuring he gets elected on November 4th, and be inaugurated as first Muslim Mayor of New York City on January 1st 2026. 

Zohran is our hero! 

Streodsburg, NY, 25 October 2025 

*A Proud Muslim New Yorker