James Anderson:
In a solemn show of unity after a deadly attack on the Muslim community in San Diego, leaders from government agencies, law enforcement, interfaith organizations, and diverse communities gathered in New York City on May 19, 2026, to mourn, condemn hate, and stand with Muslim Americans.
The gathering was organized on short notice by Save The People USA CEO Imam Muhammad Shahidullah and JMC Secretary General Mohammed Fakhrul Islam Delwer, together with the NYC Muslim community. The event reflected an urgent call for solidarity following the tragedy that claimed the lives of three Muslims.
The program opened with a Quran recitation by Imam Zafeer Ali, Dean of Al-Mamoor School, setting a prayerful and reflective tone. Community members, faith leaders, and partner organizations then joined in a shared message that hatred, violence, and division have no place in society.
Representatives from the Governor’s Office, Attorney General’s Office, Mayor’s Office, NYPD, FDNY, MTA, NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, COPO, Commonpoint, and other community partners attended. Their presence underscored the importance of institutional and grassroots cooperation in responding to hate-driven violence.
Speakers and guests included Aftab Mannan, Caura Richardson, FDNY Chaplain Joseph Potasnik, Bob Kaplan, Vijay Ramjattan, Darin Sawan, Mohammed Mohsin, Inspector Abdullah, Mohammad Sadik, Rokaiya, Dr. Henry Goldsmith, Ravi Reddy, Matt Abraham, Rabbi Yossi Mendelson, Imam Safraz Baccus, Imam Sheikh, Mohammed Rezvi, Japneet Singh, Chuck Park, Mohamed Amin, and Jahangir Alam.
Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Caribbean, Buddhist, and other community leaders stood together, reflecting the strength of shared humanity during grief. Organizations including JCRC, UJA-Federation of New York, QJCC, HJC, GodSquad, JMC leadership, and the Save The People “Hate to Hope” team reaffirmed their commitment to peace, justice, and community protection.
The gathering concluded with prayers for the victims and their families, and a renewed call to confront Islamophobia, antisemitism, racism, and every form of hate. Its message was clear: in moments of pain, unity becomes a community’s strongest defense.
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