CAIR-NY Welcomes Appointment of Ramzi Kassem as NYC Chief Counsel

(NEW YORK, NY, 12/31/25) — The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s appointment of Ramzi Kassem as New York City’s chief counsel.

Kassem is a widely respected civil rights attorney, legal scholar, and advocate with a long-standing commitment to justice, due process and the protection of marginalized communities.

He currently co-directs Creating Law Enforcement Accountability & Responsibility (CLEAR), a legal clinic that provides critical legal defense and advocacy for students and others targeted and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In a statement, Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, said:

“Ramzi Kassem’s appointment as New York City’s chief counsel is a powerful affirmation of the city’s commitment to justice, civil rights and the rule of law. His record of principled advocacy, particularly on behalf of immigrants, students, and communities facing systemic discrimination, reflects the values that New Yorkers expect from their public servants.

“CAIR-NY looks forward to working with Chief Counsel Kassem and the Mamdani administration to protect civil liberties, promote accountability, and ensure that the rights of all New Yorkers are upheld without fear or prejudice.”

CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. 

La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos. 

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CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com, CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com