Pre‑September 11 Crisis in New York: 100,000 Signatures Call on Mamdani Not to Attend the Ceremony

As the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches, a notable debate is unfolding in New York ahead of this year’s memorial ceremony. Some families and supporters of September 11 victims are calling for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to skip the Ground Zero memorial, and it is reported that about 100,000 signatures have been collected in a campaign in that direction.

ABDPost New York correspondent Özlem Özgüt Yörekli reported the developments at the heart of the debate and the protest in front of City Hall from the scene.

Gathered in Front of City Hall

Victim relatives and supporters opposing Mamdani’s attendance at the September 11 memorial gathered in front of New York City Hall.

The protesters moved to hand over the signatures they collected to the city.

Those who attended the demonstration argued that some of Mamdani’s past statements and his ties to political circles were inconsistent with the meaning carried by September 11.

During the protest, speakers used very harsh remarks toward Mamdani, while the mayor was requested to stay away from the Ground Zero ceremony.

There is no place for him in that holy area.

Some of the protest participants, stating that their demands were not merely a request, explicitly demanded that Mamdani not attend the ceremony.

The demonstrators argued that the sensitivities of those living in New York on September 11 should be taken into account.

Mamdani's statements that Muslims were subjected to discrimination in the U.S. after the September 11 attacks were also among the points criticized by the protesters.

Giuliani and Pataki also joined the debate.

The debate also included prominent figures from New York politics. During the 11 Eylül 2001 attacks, New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani said that his presence at Mamdani's memorial ceremony would make him uncomfortable.

Some of Giuliani's remarks about Mamdani's Muslim identity drew criticism and were accused of being Islamophobic.

During the 11 Eylül attacks, New York Governor George Pataki was also among those who wanted Mamdani absent from the ceremony.

Support for Mamdani from Some 11 Eylül Families

However, not all of the victim's relatives share that view. Some 11 Eylül families who support Mamdani argue that the campaign to keep the mayor away from the ceremony is driven by an Islamophobic approach.

Thus, the debate preceding the 25. yıl dönümü moved beyond whether Mamdani would attend the ceremony, evolving into a broader discussion about religion, politics, and the memory of 11 Eylül in New York.

Mamdani Is Not Taking a Step Back

Despite the protests, it is said that Mamdani has not abandoned his decision to attend the ceremony. Mamdani, who sent the message 'I love this city and this country,' announced that he would take part in the September 11 memorial ceremony. Mamdani also declared September 11 a formal "Day of Remembrance and Service" in New York.

The signatures gathered to prevent Mamdani from attending the ceremony, however, have no legally binding force.

On the 25th anniversary of September 11, attention has now turned to Ground Zero. On one side are the victims' relatives and supporters who want Mamdani to stay away from the ceremony; on the other are those who see the campaign as discriminatory. How the growing debate in New York will reflect on the September 11 memorial ceremony in the morning is keenly awaited.

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