CAIR-NY Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Harassment of 2 Muslim Women in Midtown Manhattan
(NEW YORK, NY, 5/7/2025) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate the alleged harassment of two Muslim Women wearing Hijabs (Islamic head scarves) and Keffiyehs (Palestinian scarves) as a possible hate crime.
SEE: VIDEO
Earlier this week, two Muslim women wearing hijabs and keffiyehs were reportedly walking down Madison Avenue. Video shows a woman apparently intentionally pushing one of the Muslims as she walked past. The alleged victims then got into a verbal argument, with the aggressor allegedly heard saying “so stupid; why don’t we see your face.” (NOTE: One of the Muslim women was wearing a medical face mask.)
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq. said:
“This incident reflects a growing trend of visible hostility toward Muslim and Palestinian visible identities. No one should be harassed or physically targeted simply for how they look or what they wear. All New Yorkers — especially those from marginalized communities — must feel safe in public spaces. We call on the NYPD and federal authorities to investigate this incident as a possible hate crime.”
Earlier this year, Washington, D.C., based CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report “Unconstitutional Crackdowns,” which reveals that Islamophobia continues to be at an all-time high across the country. CAIR said viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases.
CAIR-NY recently condemned NYU’s Law Retaliatory Ban on Students During Finals, Urges Immediate Reversal of the Sanctions.
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