(NEW YORK, N.Y., 11/3/2021) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today congratulated two candidates elected to their respective city councils in New York City and Lackawanna, N.Y.
In yesterday’s election, Shahana Hanif became the first Bangladeshi and American Muslim woman elected to the New York City Council. In upstate New York, Amira Muflahi became the first Yemeni-American Muslim woman to be elected to the Lackawanna City Council.
In a statement, CAIR-New York Legal Director Ahmed Mohamed stated:
“We congratulate Shahana Hanif and Amira Muflahi on their historic victories in New York City and Lackawanna. Their victories are groundbreaking and continue the increase of civic engagement from Muslim communities throughout our state. Representation matters! We hope they will inspire more Muslims to enter the political fray and lead to positive change.”
He noted that there are a number of Muslim elected officials nationwide.
CAIR-Michigan Congratulates Muslims Elected in Historic Mayoral Races
SEE: CAIR, Jetpac, MPower Change Release Groundbreaking Report on American Muslim Candidates in 2020 Election Cycle
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
END
CONTACT: Ahmed Mohamed, CAIR-NY Legal Director, 646-481-2103, ahmedmohamed@cair.com; Afaf Nasher, Esq. Executive Director, CAIR-NY, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com