Families of 9/11 launch petition to bar Zohran Mamdani from 25th anniversary memorial

A petition signed by over 5,000 people calls for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to be excluded from the 25th anniversary memorial of the 9/11 attacks. The petition, launched by Giovanni Galante, whose girlfriend died in the attacks, cites Mamdani's associations and public positions as reasons for his exclusion.

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globalize the intifada

Concerns highlighted in the petition include Mamdani's perceived reluctance to "clearly and unequivocally condemn phrases such as 'globalize the intifada,'" which many interpret as endorsing violence. It also points to his support for individuals whose statements are viewed as dismissive of American institutions or insufficiently critical of extremist ideologies.

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understood as a feature of modern political violence rather than stigmatized as a mark of barbarism

The petition further notes Mamdani's father wrote a book after 9/11 arguing suicide bombers should be "understood as a feature of modern political violence." Mamdani has stated his father influenced his views. Additionally, the petition mentions Mamdani's praise for Imam Siraj Wahhaj, named as a co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and his service as a character witness for the "Blind Sheikh." His recent appointment of Ramzi Kassem, who represented a convicted al-Qaeda plotter, as NYC's chief counsel is also cited.

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For 9/11 families, this is not simply a public ceremony, it is a deeply personal day of mourning. The presence of individuals whose words or associations are perceived as conflicting with the solemn purpose of the event risks detracting from that focus and causing additional pain.

Galante stated that for 9/11 families, the memorial is a deeply personal day of mourning. He believes the presence of individuals whose words or associations conflict with the event's solemn purpose risks causing additional pain. The families respectfully ask organizers to consider whether Mamdani's participation aligns with the ceremony's intention and the expectations of those most affected by the tragedy.

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carefully consider whether Mr. Mamdani’s participation would align with the intention of the ceremony and the expectations of the families most directly affected by the tragedy.