A prominent Muslim interfaith activist plans to lead what organizers say will be the first Muslim delegation to participate in New York City’s annual Israel Day on Fifth Parade on Sunday, despite receiving threats and criticism for publicly supporting Israel and the Jewish community, according to the New York Post.
Anila Ali, a Pakistani-born civil rights advocate and founder of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, told the newspaper she intends to march alongside dozens of Muslim supporters, including an imam and several children.
“We are a little worried after somebody’s been calling and saying to wear a bulletproof vest,” Ali told the New York Post. “But we’re fighting to take back our country and it’s a fight that every American should join.”
Ali’s participation comes as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faces criticism for deciding not to attend the parade, becoming the first sitting mayor to skip the event since 1964.
Standing with Israel
Ali said participating in the parade sends an important message at a time of rising antisemitism.
“I want to show I’m a proud Muslim,” she told the New York Post. “I try not to think about the threat, but about what we’re doing — standing with Israel’s right to exist.”
A longtime advocate for Muslim-Jewish dialogue, Ali has previously organized delegations of Muslims to Israel and said she has faced attacks from critics for her outreach efforts.
“I’m now speaking at the height of antisemitism in America for my Jewish brothers and sisters,” she said.
Criticism of Mamdani
Ali also criticized Mamdani following his decision to skip the parade and after appearing at a recent End Jew Hatred protest outside Gracie Mansion.
“Saying ‘I’m a Muslim’ does not give you, Mr. Mamdani, the right to make Jewish New Yorkers feel unsafe,” she said at a recent rally, according to the New York Post.
She further accused the mayor of fostering a climate of intimidation.
“He’s using the politics of intimidation,” Ali said. “They want this mayor out, but they fear that the moment they say something, they will be intimidated and harassed.”
Mamdani has said his absence should not be interpreted as opposition to the Jewish community and has pledged full security support for the event. His decision nevertheless sparked backlash from Jewish leaders and pro-Israel groups, who noted that every New York City mayor for more than six decades has attended the parade.
Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, which organizes the event, welcomed the participation of Muslim and other interfaith groups.
“In the backdrop of a time of division, it is incredibly powerful to witness these moments of unity and mutual respect,” Treyger told the New York Post.
Tobias Siegal and Mathilda Heller contributed to this report.
