Relatives of 9/11 victims object to Muslim New York mayor's participation in memorial ceremony
A political scandal is brewing around the memorial ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the tragedy at the site of the destroyed Twin Towers: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is not wanted at the event, Bild reports .
Giovanni Galante, whose wife died in the Al-Qaeda attacks at the age of 29, became one of the initiators of a petition against Mamdani's participation. According to the group, the initiative quickly gathered over 1100 signatures, including those of at least 300 relatives of those who died on 9/11.
"This day is sacred to us," Galante stated. According to him, Mamdani's presence would be "deeply offensive and inappropriate — like an uninvited guest appearing at a very personal ceremony."
The petition criticizes Mamdani for refusing to unequivocally condemn the slogan "Globalize the Intifada." Opponents of this phrase regard it as a call for violence against Jews. In addition, the petition mentions Mamdani's past ties with individuals considered extremists. Specifically, it refers to his contacts with Imam Siraj Wahhaj. This controversial New York religious figure advocates for the superiority of Islam over democracy and considers US policy towards Israel "the greatest threat to America."
The organizers of the petition hope that city authorities and the leadership of the non-profit organization "9/11 Memorial & Museum" will prevent Mamdani from participating in the ceremony at Ground Zero — the site where the Twin Towers once stood. According to a representative for Mamdani, he intends to attend the memorial ceremony regardless.
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А зараз вінаватым робяць маладога мэра Нью-Ёрка? Часам здаецца, што шэраговыя амерыканцы сапраўды такія, як іх Задорнаў называў падчас сваіх выступаў.