'Islam is being hijacked': Brother of Muslim first responder killed in 9/11 speaks out

Memorial Politics and the Weight of Memory

As New York prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a new controversy has emerged around the city's first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Calls have surfaced for him not to attend the commemorative event, citing political sensitivity and historical precedent—particularly from former Mayor Rudy Giuliani. In response, Mayor Mamdani has reaffirmed his commitment to attend, emphasizing that his presence is about honoring families who lost loved ones in the attacks.

But behind the headlines is a deeply personal story—one shared by Zeshan Hamdani, whose older brother Salman was among those who perished in the North Tower on that fateful day. As a Muslim American and police cadet, Salman was not only a hero but also a symbol of resilience in the face of tragedy. And now, as the nation remembers 9/11, Zeshan is speaking out—not just about his brother's legacy, but about what it means to truly honor the victims.

“We've lost our people and we're going to remember them,” said Zeshan Hamdani. “The idea that I'm not supposed to be here because of my faith is absolutely wrong.”

A Personal Tragedy, Shared Across Generations

Salman Hamdani was a young man with big dreams. A police cadet and devout Muslim, he embodied the spirit of service that defines many who answered the call after 9/11. When the towers fell, his life—and the lives of so many others—were forever altered. Zeshan, now reflecting on his brother's death, speaks not only with grief but also with conviction.

His words carry weight: they are not just those of a grieving family member, but a voice challenging the narrative that has increasingly come to define public discourse around 9/11. The tragedy, he insists, should not be weaponized by politics or used to question the place of faith in modern America.

It's a message that resonates across communities and generations, especially as debates about identity, belonging, and civic participation continue to shape our national conversation. For Zeshan, there is no contradiction between honoring the fallen and embracing diversity in leadership—particularly when that leadership includes those who have suffered in the name of service.

Mayor Mamdani's Presence: A Statement of Inclusion

Zohran Mamdani, as the first Muslim mayor of New York City, has long been a symbol of inclusion and representation. His decision to attend the 9/11 memorial is not just a political gesture; it's a statement about the values that define the city he leads.

In his own words, Mayor Mamdani emphasizes that his focus will be on those who lost loved ones, not on politics or controversy. He believes that to exclude someone from such a solemn event based on their faith is both a misstep and a disservice to the memory of the victims.

But he also understands the complexity of public sentiment. In a time where many are grappling with questions of identity and inclusion, his presence at the memorial becomes a touchstone for a broader conversation—about how we remember history, and what it means to be part of a shared national story.

When Political Posturing Interferes With Remembrance

One of the most troubling aspects of this situation is how political discourse can interfere with the sanctity of remembrance. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was in office during the morning of 9/11, has expressed reservations about Mamdani's participation, citing concerns over symbolism and legacy.

Yet, the real legacy of 9/11 is not about political alliances or public appearances—it's about the resilience of individuals, families, and communities in the face of unspeakable tragedy. It's about the strength of those who chose to serve, even when it cost them everything.

Giuliani's position, while understandable from a political standpoint, misses a key point: the event isn't about politics, it's about people. And if people like Zeshan Hamdani and Zohran Mamdani are part of that story, then their presence should be welcomed, not questioned.

Islam and the American Story

For many Muslim Americans, the question of inclusion in public life has been one of the defining challenges of our time. In the aftermath of 9/11, there was a surge of anti-Muslim sentiment that affected countless lives, from job discrimination to social ostracism.

Zeshan's message is clear: Islam is not a monolith, and the faith is not synonymous with violence. Instead, it is a diverse and deeply personal tradition, one that has produced people like his brother Salman—people who chose to serve, to protect, and to contribute to the fabric of American society.

This point is echoed by many scholars and community leaders who argue that the legacy of 9/11 should not be defined by fear or suspicion but by unity and understanding. It's a lesson that must be learned—not just for the sake of the victims, but for the future of our democracy.

The Responsibility of Memory

What we choose to remember—and how we choose to remember it—has profound implications for how we move forward as a society. As Zeshan Hamdani reminds us, the 9/11 attacks were not just about terrorism or politics; they were about people, families, and communities that have endured decades of grief.

And yet, even in our mourning, we must resist the temptation to let division define us. To exclude someone like Mayor Mamdani from the memorial is not only disrespectful to those who died, but also a betrayal of the very values they fought to protect.

As New York prepares for its 25th anniversary commemoration, one thing is certain: the memory of those lost must remain intact, unblemished by political agendas or religious prejudice. The courage shown by people like Salman Hamdani and Zohran Mamdani in the face of tragedy should be a reminder that, despite everything, we are stronger together.

Looking Forward: A Call for Unity

In the end, the events of 9/11 are not just history—they are an ongoing call to action. They challenge us to build a society where all people, regardless of faith or background, feel welcomed and valued.

As we honor the victims of that day, we must also ensure that their memory is one of hope, resilience, and inclusion. For Zeshan Hamdani, that means standing firm in his convictions—not just for his brother's sake, but for all those who have been silenced by prejudice.

And for Mayor Mamdani, it means leading with purpose, ensuring that New York continues to be a beacon of diversity and strength in an increasingly fragmented world.

In this way, the 25th anniversary of 9/11 can become not just a time of remembrance, but also a moment of renewed commitment to one another.