When the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks turned into a political debate in New York, the brother of a Muslim NYPD cadet got a chance to speak out. Zeshan Hamdani lamented that “Islam is being hijacked” by controversies that threaten to blur the focus on the victims. He explained that the city’s first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, chose to attend the ceremony, insisting he would stay centered on grieving families rather than politics.
Zeshan, who lost his older brother Salman – a New York police cadet who died in the North Tower – shared with the BBC his reflections on how the anniversary has become politicised. He warned that the tragedy could be co‑opted by those who want to use the event to push investment or attack Islam in the aftermath.
Despite the divisive critiques from figures such as former mayor Rudy Giuliani, the community remains focussed on remembering the victims and keeping the holiday a space for mourning and gratitude.
