Mayor Zohran Mamdani participated in an interfaith peace walk that concluded at the Islamic Center of New York City on Thursday evening, an event designed to honor the victims and heroes of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The Children of Abraham Peace Walk, established a year after the attacks, brought together over 100 New Yorkers of various faiths to remember those lost and reaffirm a commitment to solidarity and safety.
Mamdani joined the final portion of the walk, delivering remarks at the Islamic Center where he paid tribute to the victims and first responders. He specifically commended FDNY Chaplain Mychal Judge, the first recorded casualty of 9/11, for his actions and sacrifice.
"He died in full embrace of faith. That faith, that pure expression of love was extraordinary…it was in many ways the light that New Yorkers showed in our city’s darkest hours," Mamdani stated, referencing Judge's actions. He also praised the collective efforts of chaplains, reverends, rabbis, and imams who demonstrated selflessness and solidarity in guiding the city toward recovery.
During his speech, the mayor urged attendees to reincorporate "that solidarity into our daily lives and to offer it to everyone of our neighbors however they pray," acknowledging that solidarity is a fragile concept.
The mayor's participation comes as an online petition with over 111,000 signatures has called for him to abstain from attending the upcoming 25th-anniversary ceremony of the 9/11 attacks. A group of relatives of 9/11 victims had previously presented a petition at City Hall, expressing their frustration with Mamdani's confirmed attendance at the annual ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial.
Some families have also voiced criticism regarding Mamdani's appointment of Ramzi Kassem as his chief counsel, citing Kassem's past representation of an al-Qaeda terrorist held at Guantánamo Bay. Cheri Sparacio, who lost her husband on 9/11, stated, "It’s not about his religion or where he came from. It’s about the policies he has today."
The peace walk itself began at the Hebrew Union College, with a subsequent stop at Judson Church before concluding at the Islamic Center. Melina Holm, a participant who attended with members of her church, expressed her pleasure with Mamdani's effort to engage with diverse faiths, stating, "I have always considered myself a daughter of Abraham even though I was raised Catholic. So I was happy to participate in an interfaith walk."