CAIR-NY Denounces Mayor's Blanket Condemnations of Pro-Palestinian Protests in NYC, Demands Renunciation of Dangerous Rhetoric

Pexels/Amine M'siouri

(NEW YORK, NY, 10/9/2023) — The New York Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today denounced the blanket condemnation made by New York City Mayor Eric Adams against a pro-Palestinian rally that took place in Times Square yesterday.  

On Sunday, Mayor Adams responded to a pro-Palestinian rally in New York City with a tweet, stating that the protestors were "spreading hatred" and that he found it "deeply troubling this group of extremists express support for terrorism."    

SEE: NYC Mayor Eric Adams say he's 'disgusted' by pro-Palestinian protesters in Times Square  

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

"Mayor Adams abuses his authority by referring to New Yorkers participating in the interfaith and intersectional demonstration in solidarity for Palestinian self-determination, protection and sovereignty as 'extremists' and 'terrorists.’ 

“Not only does Mayor Adams' reckless rhetoric cater to a one-sided agenda, but blatantly undermines the constitutional right of all Americans to protest and engage in free speech. Mayor Adams' irresponsible response and name-calling fuels Islamophobic rhetoric.   

“With this verbal intimidation, Mayor Adams threatens demonstrators, promotes division and hatred, and calls for potential violence towards those who uplift the voices of the colonized and oppressed populations." 

"Mayor Adams needs to renounce his dangerous rhetoric and acknowledge the harm such words convey to so many of the New Yorkers he supposedly serves." 

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; Rabea Ali, rali@cair.com