Mamdani put Ramadan on the heart of NYC’s cultural life, bringing pleasure and a backlash : NPR

[ad_1] <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x1848+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F69%2F50b56c114c2eba8d0843d354b827%2Fwhatsapp-image-2026-03-18-at-8-32-25-am.jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x1848+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F69%2F50b56c114c2eba8d0843d354b827%2Fwhatsapp-image-2026-03-18-at-8-32-25-am.jpeg" class="img" alt="New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani prayed and broke the daily Ramadan fast with men incarcerated at the city's Rikers Island jail complex. Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor, has sparked backlash from some Republicans and far-right activists. "This is me just being a Muslim New Yorker. There are some for whom that is a political act," Mamdani told NPR." fetchpriority="high"/> New York Metropolis Mayor Zohran Mamdani, at heart in a black go well with, prayed and broke the every day Ramadan quick with males incarcerated on the metropolis's Rikers Island jail advanced. Brian Mann/NPR cover caption

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Brian Mann/NPR When Mayor Zohran Mamdani took the stage on the Museum of the Metropolis of New York final week, he was surrounded by metropolis employees invited to share iftar, the dinner held after sundown to interrupt the every day Ramadan quick.

"It isn't every single day that we see in a single room the sheer breadth of Muslim life in New York Metropolis," Mamdani mentioned, flashing his trademark grin and providing the standard vacation greeting. "I'll say it as soon as once more, Ramadan mubarak, my associates."

It was a second of celebration and satisfaction not just for New York Metropolis's group of roughly a million Muslims but additionally for a lot of Muslims throughout the nation.

During the last 12 months, Mamdani had risen with astonishing velocity from a Democratic Socialist backbencher within the state legislature to the top of energy within the U.S.' U.S.'s largest metropolis.

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7500x5000+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8a%2F1a%2F81f1b10c4fb3aa791bb00d8fac2c%2Fap26072041669845.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7500x5000+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8a%2F1a%2F81f1b10c4fb3aa791bb00d8fac2c%2Fap26072041669845.jpg" class="img" alt="New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks to city workers during a Ramadan iftar meal at the Museum of the City of New York on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)" loading="lazy"/> New York Metropolis Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks to metropolis employees throughout a Ramadan iftar meal on the Museum of the Metropolis of New York. Andres Kudacki/AP cover caption

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Andres Kudacki/AP However throughout his speech on March 12, Mamdani additionally described this gathering as an act of defiance. "For practically so long as there was a New York Metropolis, there have been Muslim New Yorkers," he mentioned. "However for practically as lengthy, these with energy and and platform have sought to dehumanize us."

He was responding, partially, to Alabama's Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, who earlier that day had reposted a picture of Mamdani celebrating public iftar dinner subsequent to a picture of the 9/11 terror assaults with the phrases "the enemy is contained in the gates."

NPR reached out to Tuberville's workplace for remark - they did not reply. Talking to the group in Harlem, Mamdani described Tuberville's submit as "bigotry."

"Once I hear such hatred and disdain unchecked in its rancor, I really feel an isolation and a loneliness that lots of you've got felt as effectively," Mamdani mentioned.

The U.S.' main Muslim politician portrayed by the appropriate as "harmful" Assaults on Mamdani from the appropriate started final 12 months, throughout his fast ascent. With a disarming political model and masterful use of social media, he rapidly emerged because the nation's most influential Muslim politician

Tuberville's submit is not the one assault Mamdani has confronted throughout Ramadan. After he criticized President Trump's choice to launch a warfare in opposition to Iran, certainly one of New York Metropolis's most influential speak radio hosts, Sid Rosenberg, blasted Mamdani on social media, calling the mayor a "cockroach" and accusing him of hating Jews.

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1600x739+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F74%2F34%2F7425ef4c4d32b970d2c5dba29afe%2Fwhatsapp-image-2026-03-18-at-8-32-25-am-4.jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1600x739+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F74%2F34%2F7425ef4c4d32b970d2c5dba29afe%2Fwhatsapp-image-2026-03-18-at-8-32-25-am-4.jpeg" class="img" alt="Mayor Zohran Mamdani sharing iftar with his wife Rama Duwaji. Both have faced criticism for their activism and positions in favor of Palestinian rights, positions viewed by some critics as anti-Israel." loading="lazy"/> Mayor Zohran Mamdani sharing iftar together with his spouse Rama Duwaji. Brian Mann/NPR cover caption

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Brian Mann/NPR Throughout a press convention, Mamdani described Rosenberg's submit as racist. "To be referred to as animals, bugs, to be referred to as a jihadist mayor, to be referred to as a cockroach, this language is painfully acquainted to me as a Muslim New Yorker, but additionally as somebody born in East Africa," he mentioned.

Dealing with an intense public backlash, Rosenberg supplied a partial apology on his radio present saying he regretted calling Mamdani names, however he then described Mamdani as harmful. "I believe his insurance policies ought to scare the dwelling daylights out of any first rate New Yorker," he mentioned.

Tensions escalated once more a couple of days later, on March 7, when a small group of far-right activists gathered outdoors Mamdani's official residence in Manhattan, calling for an finish to what they described as "the Islamic takeover of New York Metropolis." There was a conflict with counter-protesters and two Muslim males from Pennsylvania allegedly threw improvised explosive units.

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x3000+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Fb2%2F325635b34349b264dafa738a8718%2Fap26068669024281.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x3000+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7b%2Fb2%2F325635b34349b264dafa738a8718%2Fap26068669024281.jpg" class="img" alt="Police detain Emir Balat after he attempted to detonate an improvised explosive device during a counterprotest against far right influencer Jake Lang staging an anti-Islam protest outside Gracie Mansion, Saturday, March 7, 2026, in New York." loading="lazy"/> Police detain a person after he tried to detonate an improvised explosive gadget throughout a counterprotest in opposition to an anti-Islam protest outdoors Gracie Mansion. Julius Constantine Motal/FR171675 cover caption

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Julius Constantine Motal/FR171675 FBI officers say the assault was impressed by ISIS. The units didn't detonate, there have been no accidents, and the boys have been arrested and are awaiting trial. At a press convention, Mamdani spoke fastidiously, condemning the anti-Muslim rally and the tried violence.

"Whereas I discovered this protest appalling, I can't waver in my perception that it ought to be allowed to occur. Ours is a free metropolis the place the appropriate to protest is sacred," he mentioned.

Far-right bigotry in opposition to Muslim People is not new, but it surely has intensified in current weeks following the launch of U.S. and Israeli navy operations in opposition to Iran, and after different violent assaults in Michigan and Virginia allegedly perpetrated by Muslims. These incidents, one focusing on a synagogue, are additionally being investigated as acts of terrorism.

Tennessee Republican Congressman Andy Ogles posted on X that Muslims "do not belong in American society." Rep. Randy Positive, R-Fla., who not too long ago confronted criticism for saying he'd select canine over Muslims, wrote: "We want extra Islamophobia, not much less. Worry of Islam is rational."

Khalid Latif, certainly one of New York's most influential imams, thinks efforts to painting Muslims as violent and un-American are effectively organized and sometimes efficient. "The flexibility to mobilize individuals by concern has been a confirmed technique," he mentioned.

How iftar dinner helps bridge divides <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x1848+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb7%2F68%2Fb704be774c31ba6ff71fa9fde152%2Fwhatsapp-image-2026-03-18-at-8-32-25-am-3.jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x1848+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb7%2F68%2Fb704be774c31ba6ff71fa9fde152%2Fwhatsapp-image-2026-03-18-at-8-32-25-am-3.jpeg" class="img" alt="Families gather at the Islamic Center of New York City to pray and break the daily Ramadan fast. "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, said Imam Khalid Latif." loading="lazy"/> Households collect on the Islamic Heart of New York Metropolis to hope and break the every day Ramadan quick. Brian Mann/NPR cover caption

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Brian Mann/NPR Latif leads the Islamic Heart of New York Metropolis, the place volunteers not too long ago ready a night iftar meal of hen and rice and dates. All the group was invited to hitch. Latif says these gatherings, and people hosted by Mamdani, supply an opportunity to put aside variations.

"You and I will be an iftar dinner collectively and you do not have to share religion with me and we will simply each sit and eat," he mentioned.

Individuals gathered right here mentioned they hope this 12 months's extra seen, high-profile celebration of Ramadan, led by Mamdani, will assist give non-Muslims a much less stigmatized view of their tradition and religion.

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x1848+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2Ff7%2F1944734942dab891f00f07852d29%2Fwhatsapp-image-2026-03-18-at-8-32-26-am-1.jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x1848+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2Ff7%2F1944734942dab891f00f07852d29%2Fwhatsapp-image-2026-03-18-at-8-32-26-am-1.jpeg" class="img" alt="" loading="lazy"/> "It's good to notice be handled as the opposite and to be considered as a part of the ingrained material of this metropolis and the U.S.," mentioned Saquib Rahim, a doctor, who had come to an iftar dinner together with his household. Brian Mann/NPR cover caption

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Brian Mann/NPR "It's good to notice be handled as the opposite and to be considered as a part of the ingrained material of this metropolis and the U.S.," mentioned Saquib Rahim, a doctor, who had come to the iftar together with his household. "Ramadan is about group, charity and togetherness."

A "Muslim brother" at Rikers Island Mamdani continued to carry his excessive profile iftar dinners all through Ramadan, together with a history-making gathering at Rikers Island. He was the primary mayor to hope and break the quick with Muslim males, many awaiting trial, held on the metropolis's huge jail facility.

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x1848+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F35%2F6b%2Fa52d908b4eefa2ef004e68014108%2Fwhatsapp-image-2026-03-18-at-8-32-23-am.jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x1848+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F35%2F6b%2Fa52d908b4eefa2ef004e68014108%2Fwhatsapp-image-2026-03-18-at-8-32-23-am.jpeg" class="img" alt="Muslim men detained at the Rikers Island jail facility, many awaiting trail, joined Mayor Mamdani for prayer and an iftar meal during Ramadan. Mamdani also met and shared dinner with corrections workers." loading="lazy"/> Muslim males detained on the Rikers Island jail facility, many awaiting path, joined Mayor Mamdani for prayer and an iftar meal throughout Ramadan. Brian Mann/NPR cover caption

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Brian Mann/NPR "This is without doubt one of the most significant evenings I've had as mayor of New York Metropolis," Mamdani informed NPR. "That is me simply being a Muslim New Yorker. There are some for whom that could be a political act."

At occasions Mamdani was surrounded by incarcerated males, shaking arms and leaning shut to speak. Jail officers allowed NPR to talk with a few of those that prayed and ate with Mamdani, on the situation that we not use their names. They described the mayor as a "Muslim brother."

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2958x1582+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F73%2Fc0%2F4dd0f56e45929f4d2c7f90bea5d3%2Fwhatsapp-image-2026-03-18-at-8-32-24-am.jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2958x1582+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F73%2Fc0%2F4dd0f56e45929f4d2c7f90bea5d3%2Fwhatsapp-image-2026-03-18-at-8-32-24-am.jpeg" class="img" alt="Mayor Zohran Mamdani surrounded by men incarcerated at the Rikers Island jail facility, where he prayed and shared an iftar meal." loading="lazy"/> Mayor Zohran Mamdani surrounded by males incarcerated on the Rikers Island jail facility, the place he prayed and shared an iftar meal. Brian Mann/NPR cover caption

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Brian Mann/NPR "I am ecstatic. He cares about us regardless that we're going by a tough time," one man mentioned. One other mentioned it felt like a hopeful validation. "It is a proud factor to not be regarded down upon, particularly when you've got somebody as highly effective because the mayor right here. That is a blessing."

All through this Ramadan, different New Yorkers mentioned they see Mamdani's public observance of the vacation as a pivot level for his or her group, a second after years of stigma and suspicion once they really feel welcome in a brand new means.

"For me I believe it is a image of tide shifting," mentioned Mazeefa Ahmed, a 22-year-old pupil who joined an iftar on the Islamic Heart.

"You recognize, we're good individuals and we have now nothing to cover," mentioned Syed Adnan Bhukari, a metropolis employee who joined Mamdani's iftar in Harlem. "I believe Zohran being elected is displaying the optimistic facet to everybody."

As this 12 months's Ramadan ends on Thursday, Mamdani has been in workplace lower than 4 months. There are nonetheless deep tensions. ICE raids proceed in New York Metropolis, some involving Muslim immigrant households. Verbal and social media assaults by Republican politicians aren't going away.

Mamdani nonetheless faces deep suspicion, not least amongst most of the metropolis's Jewish leaders, over his assist for Palestinian rights. The warfare in Iran and continued violence in Gaza, Israel and different components of the Center East are additionally being felt deeply in New York Metropolis.

Mamdani mentioned Muslim households will preserve gathering "as a result of it's collectively that we discover ease," he informed the group in Harlem. "And we discover it within the metropolis that's our residence."