Mamdani put Ramadan at the center of NYC's cultural life, bringing joy -- and a backlash

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently hosted an iftar dinner at the Museum of the City of New York. Iftar is the meal held after sunset to break the daily Ramadan fast. Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor, celebrated with city workers, marking a moment of pride for New York City's one million Muslims and many others nationwide.

Mamdani quickly rose from a state legislator to mayor of the largest U.S. city. He described the gathering as an act of defiance, noting that Muslim New Yorkers have faced dehumanization for a long time.

Facing Backlash and Bigotry

Mamdani's public celebration of Ramadan has drawn criticism. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama reposted an image of Mamdani's iftar next to a picture of the 9/11 attacks. He added the words "the enemy is inside the gates." Mamdani called this post "bigotry."

Attacks on Mamdani began during his rise to power. He is seen as the country's most influential Muslim politician. After Mamdani criticized President Trump's decision to go to war with Iran, talk radio host Sid Rosenberg called Mamdani a "cockroach." Rosenberg also accused him of hating Jews.

Mamdani called Rosenberg's comments racist. He said being called "animals, insects, a jihadist mayor, a cockroach" is painfully familiar to him as a Muslim New Yorker and someone born in East Africa. Rosenberg later offered a partial apology but still called Mamdani "dangerous."

Tensions grew when far-right activists protested outside Mamdani's home. They called for an end to an "Islamic takeover of New York City." During a clash with counter-protesters, two Muslim men from Pennsylvania allegedly threw improvised explosive devices. These devices did not detonate, and no one was hurt. The FBI is investigating the attack as ISIS-inspired terrorism. Mamdani condemned both the anti-Muslim rally and the attempted violence. He stressed the importance of the right to protest in a free city.

Other politicians have also made anti-Muslim statements. Congressman Andy Ogles of Tennessee posted that Muslims "don't belong in American society." Representative Randy Fine of Florida wrote, "We need more Islamophobia, not less. Fear of Islam is rational." Khalid Latif, a leading New York imam, believes these efforts to portray Muslims as violent are well-organized and effective.

Building Bridges Through Iftar

Imam Khalid Latif leads the Islamic Center of New York City. He says iftar gatherings, like those hosted by Mamdani, help bridge divides. "You and I can be an iftar dinner together and you don't have to share faith with me. We can just both sit and eat," Latif said.

Many hope Mamdani's visible celebration of Ramadan will help non-Muslims see their culture and faith in a new light. Saquib Rahim, a physician, said, "It is nice to not be treated as the other and to be viewed as part of the ingrained fabric of this city and the U.S." He added that Ramadan is about community, charity, and togetherness.

A "Muslim Brother" at Rikers Island

Mamdani also held a historic iftar at Rikers Island jail. He was the first mayor to pray and break fast with Muslim men held there. "This is one of the most meaningful evenings I've had as mayor of New York City," Mamdani told NPR. "This is me just being a Muslim New Yorker. There are some for whom that is a political act."

Incarcerated men described Mamdani as a "Muslim brother." One man said, "I'm ecstatic. He cares about us even though we're going through a rough time." Another felt it was a hopeful validation. "It's a proud thing to not be looked down upon, especially when you have someone as powerful as the mayor here. That's a blessing."

Many New Yorkers see Mamdani's public actions as a turning point for their community. Mazeefa Ahmed, a student, called it a "symbol of tide shifting." Syed Adnan Bhukari, a city worker, said, "We're good people and we have nothing to hide. I think Zohran being elected is showing the positive side to everyone."

Despite ongoing tensions and suspicion, Mamdani believes Muslim families will continue to gather. He said, "It is together that we find ease. And we find it in the city that is our home."