Should Zohran Mamdani attend the 25th‑anniversary 9/11 Ground Zero memorial?

[SolitarySolace]

I do not think Mayor Zohran Mamdani should attend the 25th-anniversary 9/11 memorial ceremony at Ground Zero.

My objection is not that he is Muslim, nonwhite, or was born in Uganda. I share the concerns expressed by 9/11 families who created a petition asking that he not participate.

The petition cites Mamdani’s public record, including his past reluctance to unequivocally condemn “globalize the intifada,” his praise of Imam Siraj Wahhaj, comments concerning Anwar al-Awlaki, his appointment of Ramzi Kassem, and other political associations or statements the petitioners believe conflict with the solemn purpose of the ceremony.

I signed the petition because I agree that the 25th anniversary should center on the victims, survivors, first responders, and families—not another political controversy.

Mamdani can commemorate 9/11 separately as mayor. Others are free to disagree, but I think the families asking him to stay away deserve to have their reasons taken seriously rather than dismissed as racism or Islamophobia.

Petition:
https://www.change.org/p/please-sign-to-support-honoring-the-memory-of-those-lost-on-september-11th-with-dignity

Do you think Mamdani should attend the Ground Zero ceremony?

https://www.timesofisrael.com/an-unwelcome-guest-some-9-11-victims-families-want-mamdani-barred-from-tribute/

Yes — He should attend as NYC mayor

No — He should stay away

[darkcloud1945]

NO, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! No enemy of our Republic should be allowed to enter upon the hallowed grounds created by his Arab friends on 911. No member of the AMERICA LAST DEMOCRATIC COMMUNIST PARTY OF AMERICA should be allowed there under any circumstances. SCUMMY SCHUMER, MAYOR MAMDANI, AND HIS PISS POOR EXCUSE OF A WIFE most of all.

[strateguy632]

his history would be offensive at that place.

[darkcloud1945]

He has said, despite the petition with 12,000 signatures on it not to come, he said he would still come, and with his AMERICA HATING WIFE IN TOW to honor those who lost their lives. I hope when he arrives, all others leave in protest for him and his wife showing up AGAINST THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE.

[exitseven]

We need to make 9/11 a National Holiday. It should be Remembrance Day and should always be celebrated on Sept. 11th. That day should never be forgotten,.

[SolitarySolace]

Agreed

[Just_Ken]

He should attend. he's the newyork mayor. Will be very telling as to what he says and does though. Will he distance extremist Islam from it like omar tried to do? Will he start talking about arresting the prime minister of Israel?

I think he's only going to get one term.

[Snakeyes7]

If he was anyone else I would say go for it but given his actions, he wouldn't care even if he did attend.

[Anonymous]

25 years from attack to surrender, was even faster in the UK at only 11 years

[canamlusciouslad73]

OF COURSE HE SHOULD. HE'S THE FREAKIN' NEW YORK CITY MAYOR !!!

[SolitarySolace]

@canamlusciouslad73 Being mayor explains why he would normally attend, but it does not automatically answer whether he should attend this particular ceremony.

My objection is that victims’ relatives, survivors, and first responders are specifically asking him to stay away because they believe his presence would detract from a solemn commemoration centered on the people murdered on 9/11. The petition calling for him not to attend has continued to grow.

I’m not saying those families have a legal veto over the mayor. I’m saying that, out of respect, I think Mamdani should voluntarily put their wishes ahead of the political expectation that the NYC mayor appear. He can commemorate 9/11 elsewhere in his official capacity.

And if he chooses to attend despite the growing number of families and others asking him not to, then he should expect and accept the criticism that follows. Being mayor does not place him above scrutiny or criticism, whether that criticism comes from 9/11 families, New Yorkers, or people elsewhere in the country.

Being mayor gives him a reason to attend. It does not make attendance beyond criticism, and it does not obligate everyone else to approve of his decision.

[darkcloud1945]

He is Mayor in name only; he does not speak for the honest, hard-working people of this city. He is following the COMMUNIST MANIFESTO to the letter, trying to destroy this country for his Arab buddies

[SolitarySolace]

Agreed, @darkcloud1945

[canamlusciouslad73]

So you're saying these heroes' families are a bunch of right-wing nuts?

[SolitarySolace]

@canamlusciouslad73 No—quite the opposite. I’m saying the 9/11 families who are asking Mamdani to stay away should not be dismissed as “right-wing nuts,” racists, Islamophobes, or anything else simply because people dislike their conclusion.

They lost husbands, wives, parents, children, friends, and colleagues on September 11. Their objections deserve to be heard on their own merits.

My position has been consistent throughout this thread: I strongly oppose Mamdani politically, and I think his record gives those families legitimate reasons to object to his presence. Being mayor explains why he would ordinarily attend, but it does not give him immunity from criticism or require grieving families to welcome him.

So no, I’m not insulting those families. I’m arguing that their voices should carry considerably more weight than people casually dismissing their concerns because Mamdani happens to be the mayor.

[fishbone77]

I agree with you.

[FrodoSkywalker007]

Nope...

[Cidknee]

Why not, sure!