Mamdani performs first Eid prayers in New York since taking office

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani performed his first Eid al-Fitr prayer on Friday since assuming his role at a public park in Brooklyn, alongside hundreds of worshippers.

The prayer was held in Prospect Park and organized by the Islamic Association of Brooklyn, where hundreds of members of the Muslim community gathered to perform the Eid prayer in a festive atmosphere.

Before the prayer began, Mamdani delivered a short speech to the attendees, emphasizing that Muslims are an integral part of New York City’s fabric and highlighting the importance of diversity and coexistence within US society.

However, Mamdani, as well as the wider Muslim community in the US have come under increasing Islamophobic attack in recent weeks, particularly from Republicans.

“It is not always easy to practice our faith in the city that we know is our home,” Mamdani said at the prayer, according to Politico. “And yet so many here always find a way.”

After the prayer, the mayor made a point of greeting worshippers and congratulating them on Eid al-Fitr.

Politico reported that Mamdani had attended at least 17 iftars in Ramadan during the Muslim holy month.

Recently however Mamdani was embroiled in controversy after describing past statements made by Palestinian writer Susan Abualhawa as “abhorrent”, drawing backlash from his own supporters.

Mamdani’s wife Rama Duwaji had previously drawn an illustration for an essay Abualhawa had also worked on.

Mamdani became the first Muslim mayor of New York City at the beginning of the year after receiving 50.7% of the vote in November 2025 elections.