Muslim activist defies threats to march in NYC Israel Parade
A Muslim interfaith activist will lead the first Muslim group in New York's Israel parade despite threats, aiming to combat antisemitism and support Israel's right to exist.
Anila Ali, a Pakistan-born civil rights advocate now based in Washington DC, has vowed that nothing will prevent her from marching in the annual celebration of the Jewish state, according to New York Post. The 58-year-old founder of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council is pressing ahead despite receiving calls warning her to wear a bulletproof vest.
Ali plans to march alongside several dozen Muslim supporters, including an imam and children, refusing to be deterred by what she describes as intimidation from nefarious forces targeting her for standing in solidarity with Israel.
The veteran activist, who has lived in the United States for 30 years, told New York Post that participating in the parade amid unprecedented antisemitism in New York City sends a critical message. She has faced accusations of being an “Islamonazi” and a “grifter” profiting from Jewish money over her interfaith work, which has included organizing trips to Israel for Muslims, including the first Pakistani delegation.
Ali’s determination comes after a confrontation this week at a rally outside Gracie Mansion, where a Democratic socialist city councilwoman reportedly condemned her to hell for supporting the Jewish community.
Standing Against Intimidation
Ali emphasized her motivation centers on defending Israel’s right to exist and supporting her Jewish neighbors during a time of rising hostility. The Islamic regime has reportedly targeted her for her interfaith advocacy over the years. She found strong support within the Jewish community following the September 11 attacks, forging bonds that continue today.
The activist sharply criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani for becoming the first mayor since the parade’s 1961 inception to skip the Sunday event. She characterized the Democratic socialist as dangerous for empowering radicals who target Jewish communities and using politics of intimidation.
Ali reported that Muslims she encountered at a Jackson Heights Eid event and across the city this week privately expressed their opposition to Mamdani but fear speaking out publicly due to concerns about harassment and intimidation. Many want the mayor removed from office but worry about the consequences of voicing dissent, she said.
Defiant Message at Rally
At a Tuesday End Jew Hatred rally, Ali directly challenged the mayor’s positioning. Saying ‘I’m a Muslim’ does not give you the right to make Jewish New Yorkers feel unsafe, she declared.
As she prepares for the parade wearing traditional Muslim colors while carrying the Israeli flag, Ali remains unwavering. She described her participation as speaking out at the height of American antisemitism on behalf of her Jewish brothers and sisters, viewing community bridge-building as essential work.
Mark Treyger, CEO of JCRC-NY, the organization that coordinates the parade, welcomed the interfaith participation. He told New York Post that the organization takes pride in welcoming interfaith partners to march alongside them, calling such moments of unity and mutual respect incredibly powerful amid a time of division.
With information from New York Post
