NY Dems Face Backlash for Wearing Hijabs at Radical Mosques
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and other NY Democrats draw criticism for attending mosques linked to extremist figures.
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Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is facing renewed criticism after attending a Bronx mosque while wearing a pink hijab and engaging with a radical Islamic cleric known for his support of Hamas and Osama bin Laden’s spiritual mentor. The incident has reignited debates over the political motivations behind Democratic leaders’ public displays of religious attire.
A Radical Connection
Gillibrand’s September 21 visit to the Bronx Muslim Center remained largely hidden, with media outlets like The Washington Free Beacon uncovering the event. Photos shared by the mosque’s director of outreach revealed Gillibrand posing with Imam Hamud Alsilwi, who has led the mosque since 1998. Alsilwi has a documented history of praising antisemitic terrorism, including his 2016 post celebrating the Muslim Brotherhood’s actions against Israel and Hamas founder Ahmed Yassin.
Alsilwi also publicly mourned Sheikh Abdul Majeed al-Zindani, a designated terrorist who acted as bin Laden’s spiritual adviser and was linked to funding al-Qaeda. These associations have drawn sharp condemnation from U.S. officials, who have labeled al-Zindani an international terrorist since 2004.
A Pattern of Political Posturing
Gillibrand’s incident is part of a broader trend among top New York Democrats who have used religious attire to court votes. Governor Kathy Hochul faced backlash earlier this year after wearing a black hijab at a Manhattan mosque, a move that drew criticism from former President Donald Trump, who accused her of pandering. Iranian dissidents also condemned Hochul’s actions, highlighting the risks faced by women in Iran for wearing similar headscarves.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) also sparked controversy earlier this year by donning a hijab during a public appearance in the Bronx alongside socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani. These actions have drawn sharp contrast with the global movement of women fighting for freedom from enforced religious coverings, such as the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests in Iran.
Political Motivations vs. Moral Concerns
While some argue that these political gestures reflect a commitment to religious freedom, critics argue that they risk aligning with extremist figures and undermining U.S. foreign policy. The incidents have raised questions about the ethical implications of using religious symbols for political gain, especially when the associated figures are linked to terrorism and antisemitism.
Source: Daily Wire
