Daniel Matthew :
The NY Muslim Community Safety & Policy Summit 2026 brought advocates, government representatives, legal professionals, researchers, public agencies, and community-based organizations together in Manhattan for a focused discussion on safety, belonging, and policy priorities affecting Muslim communities across New York.
Hosted by We Belong Here New York, the summit was held on Saturday, May 16, at the Turken Foundation Hall. The event created a platform for participants to address issues ranging from hate crime prevention and Islamophobia to immigration resources, civic engagement, racial equity, and community protection. It reflected a growing effort to connect community experience with practical policy solutions at a time when many Muslim New Yorkers continue to seek stronger protections and greater representation.
“This summit reflects the importance of creating intentional spaces where Muslim communities can engage directly in conversations surrounding public safety, civic participation and equitable policy development,” said Iman Mergen, Founding Executive Director of We Belong Here NY. “At a time when many communities continue to navigate discrimination, misinformation and systemic barriers, it is critical that we invest in informed dialogue, cross-sector collaboration and community-centered solutions.”
Mergen said the summit helped bring advocates, public institutions, legal professionals, researchers, and residents into one shared space to strengthen civic engagement while advancing dignity, safety, access, and meaningful representation for Muslim communities across New York.
The program opened with remarks from Iman Mergen and Maha Akhtar of We Belong Here NY, followed by a session on community advocacy and civic engagement led by Meer Abdul-Wali of Muslims for Progress. The agenda also included immigration advocacy and legal resources presented by Afia Yunus, Esq., of Yunus Law and We Belong Here NY.
A major portion of the summit focused on anti-Muslim bias and public safety. Sofia Gage of CAIR-NY delivered an Islamophobia research presentation, while Linda Tigani of the NYC Commission on Racial Equity addressed government accountability and racial equity.
Vijah Ramjattan, Executive Director of the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, was present for the session on hate crime prevention and community safety, underscoring the role of city agencies in working with communities to prevent bias incidents and improve public trust.
Community-based organization leaders and advocates also joined the discussion, including Dr. Debbie Almontaser, Japneet Singh, Muhammad Shahidullah, Mamadou Bah, and others. Their presence highlighted the importance of grassroots leadership in shaping responses to hate, discrimination, and community vulnerability.
The summit also included community remarks, lived-experience reflections, interactive policy feedback posters, Asr prayer, light refreshments, and a closing reception. Event partners and supporters included Muslims for Progress, CAIR-NY, Turken Foundation USA, Workers’ Advocate Law Group, Yunus Law, and the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes.
By combining research, policy discussion, legal guidance, and community engagement, the summit helped turn concern into action. For Muslim New Yorkers, the event reinforced a clear message: safety is strengthened when communities are heard, organized, and included in shaping the policies that affect their lives.
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