Mamdani defends Muslim identity amid “racist and baseless” attacks

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, vowed Friday to more openly embrace his Muslim identity after facing what he called “racist and baseless” attacks from former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his allies.

Surrounded by interfaith leaders outside a Bronx mosque, Mamdani delivered an emotional speech reflecting on the “indignities” endured by Muslim New Yorkers. Fighting back tears, he recalled how his aunt stopped riding the subway after the Sept. 11 attacks out of fear of being targeted for wearing a hijab.

He also recounted advice from a relative early in his political career who urged him to hide his religion — guidance he said many Muslims have heard. “These are lessons that so many Muslim New Yorkers have been taught,” Mamdani said. “And in recent days, those lessons have become the campaign messages of Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa, and Eric Adams.”

Later, Cuomo accused Mamdani of “playing the victim” and dismissed claims of widespread Islamophobia in New York.

A democratic socialist, Mamdani has faced consistent criticism from Cuomo and others over his denunciation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which he described as genocide. But those attacks have recently taken on a more overtly Islamophobic tone, prompting backlash from within the Democratic Party.

During a conservative radio appearance, Cuomo laughed as host Sid Rosenberg suggested Mamdani would “cheer another 9/11.” Cuomo later said he didn’t take the remark seriously but called it “offensive.” A Cuomo campaign account also briefly posted a video mocking Mamdani for eating rice with his hands and labeling his supporters criminals before deleting it, calling it an “error.”

At a separate rally, Mayor Eric Adams appeared to imply New York would face more terrorist threats under Mamdani, saying, “You see what’s playing out in other countries because of Islamic extremism.” Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa also falsely accused Mamdani of supporting “global jihad” during a debate.

Speaking to supporters, Mamdani said his remarks were directed not at his opponents but at Muslim New Yorkers who feel unseen. “Every Muslim dreams of being treated like any other New Yorker,” he said. “For too long, we’ve been told to ask for less. No more.”

He admitted he initially downplayed his faith, believing restraint would deflect prejudice. “I thought that if I kept quiet and focused on my message, I could be seen as more than my faith,” he said. “I was wrong. No amount of silence is ever enough.”

Mamdani declared he would now embrace his identity fully: “I will not change who I am, how I eat, or the faith I’m proud of. But I will no longer live in the shadows — I will find myself in the light.”

Despite skepticism from some Democratic leaders, particularly over his criticism of Israel, Mamdani gained momentum Friday with an endorsement from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Cuomo, meanwhile, claimed Mamdani’s stance on Israel has made Jewish New Yorkers fearful and rejected the notion that Muslims face discrimination in the city. “New Yorkers are not Islamophobic,” he said. “What he’s doing is the oldest trick in politics — dividing people.”