06/17/2026
“Since the Oct. 7 attacks and the
cynical weaponization of religion
that followed, voices like Mam-
dani’s have often sought to justi-
fy or contextualize the atrocities. I
found myself compelled to speak
out. When I addressed the March
for Israel rally on the National Mall
in Washington, D.C., it was not be-
cause I am Jewish or Israeli. It was
because I am Muslim, American, a
mother, and a human being.”
— Anila Ali
