CAIR-NY Condemns Islamophobic, Anti-Palestinian Rant Targeting Couple on New York Subway
(NEW YORK, NY, 11/7/25) — 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 condemned a reported Islamophobic and racist anti-Palestinian outburst against an Iranian and Palestinian couple riding the New York Subway.
CAIR-NY said the incident highlights the persistent threat of hate crimes and bigotry facing Muslim and immigrant communities across the city.
In the video recorded and posted online by the Iranian influencer Ariana Jasmine, a woman who claimed to be both Jewish and a Trump supporter, was repeatedly seen harassing both Jasmine and her companion, Youssef, by calling them “terrorists” and making derogatory remarks about Middle Eastern identity and Palestine. Youssef’s keffiyeh was mocked and called a “terrorist towel”, and she also declared that “Palestine doesn’t exist,” and continued her verbal assault even after distancing herself from the couple on the train.
SEE: New York Karen Calls Muslim Couple Terrorists
SEE: Instagram Post
As the video spread quickly, reaching over two million views on Instagram, countless viewers, especially Muslim New Yorkers, shared similar experiences of harassment they faced while wearing cultural attire, including but not limited to the keffiyeh. One viewer recognized the woman as someone who had previously assaulted another subway rider in a similar incident.
In a statement, Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, said:
“This hateful outburst is a stark reminder that Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian bigotry remain deeply rooted problems in our city. No New Yorker should ever be made to feel unsafe or dehumanized because of their faith, ethnicity, or cultural identity. We urge city officials and law enforcement to take this incident seriously and to ensure accountability, protection, and education that foster understanding rather than division.”
Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report, Unconstitutional Crackdowns, which reveals that Islamophobia remains at record-high levels nationwide. CAIR said viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases.
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, CAIR-NY, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com;
CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com