By Imam Shamsi Ali

THERE is no doubt that New York City, with all its problems and issues at the moment, is still one of the greatest and most desirable cities for people to visit and/or stay. It is possibly the most vibrant city, unbelievably diverse not only in its population but also in its cultures and traditions, religions, and even the way its inhabitants express themselves.  

New York City is home to Wall Street, the center of the world economy. It is also home to the United Nations, the world and all nations’ organizations. In addition, with its Times Square, New York City is known as the city that never sleeps. This city became even more popular after the tragic event called the 9/11 terror attack that brought down the symbol of world capitalism known as the WTC (World Trade Center).  

I am blessed to be one of its inhabitants, called New Yorkers. To be honest, my lifestyle has been deeply attached to the city, to an extent that any time I leave the city for somewhere else, even within the US, I feel lonely. I miss the crowds of its traffic, the sound of ambulances, and the view of sky scraping buildings in the city. And certainly, I would miss my community, the Muslim community, that’s been growing and continues to grow in this world capital.  

City of Immigrants

The US is known to be a nation of immigrants. With the exception of Native Americans, all those in America—be they from Asia, Latin and South America, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern, or even Western Europe—are all immigrants or children and grandchildren of immigrants. And none, including the president of the country, should feel more American than others. They are equal. This is the status that the Constitution of this country begins with: We the people.  

More especially, New York City is known not only as the city of immigrants. In fact, it is in this city where the immigrants who came particularly from Europe entered. Up until today, an island is preserved to remember this fact. This island has even become a tourist destination and is neighboring the Lady Liberty, a symbol of freedom for Americans. To recognize this historical fact, every year Americans select 100 immigrants or children of immigrants to receive the highest non-military award called the “Ellis Island Honor Award.” I am blessed and honored to be one of these recipients.  

With this in mind, I am more than certain that New York City will embrace all its inhabitants fully to achieve their dreams. From time to time, I can see clearly that New York City has become more open and inclusive to all. Anybody in New York can be anyone he or she dreams of being, including immigrants and Muslims who aspire to be the mayor of this city. That’s possible and guaranteed by the Constitution and the values that this country and this city uphold highly.  

Zohran Mamdani: The Next NYC Mayor

I met Zohran Mamdani for the first time when he came to join our Eid prayer some years ago. He came at the time as a member of the New York State Assembly to address New Yorkers—a political tradition that happens every year for politicians to be closer and more attached to their constituents.  

Zohran Mamdani, to me, is different. He came and joined our prayers not only as a politician but as a member of our community. And I mean it in every sense of the word. He is faithful to his faith, fully committed to its teachings, and never shy to tell all that he is a Muslim. He is proud to be known as a Muslim, even in times when the image of Islam is portrayed as evil and dangerous.  

But what is more unique and inspiring about Zohran Mamdani is his commitment to the cause of all marginalized and oppressed, both domestically and globally. He defended the rights of taxi drivers some years ago and succeeded. This brought him to be elected as a member of the New York State Assembly representing Astoria, Queens.  

Beyond that, in a time when very few politicians were willing to stand for what is right—not to favor Palestinians, but simply to call for a ceasefire in Palestine to stop further massacres and genocide in Gaza—Zohran Mamdani was among the very, very few who stood tall to fight for peace and call for a ceasefire. In doing so, he doesn’t change depending on whether he is speaking to Muslims and Arabs or to non-Muslims and even those who tend to side with Israeli Zionists.  

This, for me, is a clear sign that Zohran Mamdani is a different kind of politician. I may call him a non-conventional politician, just as I have been called a non-conventional Imam in New York City. Because he is courageous enough to say and do what his heart and mind command him to. This is unique, as many other politicians tend to deny and lie to their own hearts and minds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, New York City, the US, and the world need such unconventional politicians—politicians who advance their hearts and minds, not their narrow interests by serving the interests of those who own the capital. And New York City deserves that more than ever!  

With that in mind, I hereby declare my support and will do everything possible to bring him to the City Hall of the Great New York City… InshaAllah!  

Manhattan, November 20, 2024

An Immigrant Muslim New Yorker