Queens, NY – September 14, 2025: The Faiths United Interfaith Conference, themed “Unity for Universal Peace,” brought together faith leaders, community advocates, and elected officials at Shirazi Café in Queens for an evening of dialogue on civic responsibility and the upcoming New York City mayoral race.
Mayor Eric Adams, serving as the Chief Guest, assured attendees of his unwavering commitment to protecting all New Yorkers if re-elected. He strongly condemned harassment, exploitation, and discrimination, promising that his administration would continue to safeguard Muslim residents and ensure fairness across all faiths. Mayor Adams emphasized that leadership must focus on safety, dignity, and unity, reassuring the community that their voices will remain central in City Hall.
Dr. Sima Karetnaya, WHO Health Expert, G100 USA Country Chair for Diplomacy, and recipient of President Biden’s Lifetime Award, delivered a powerful lecture urging caution against flawed leadership. She criticized Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani’s promises as hollow and potentially harmful, warning that such policies could undermine faith values and destabilize community trust. She called on attendees to carefully weigh their political choices and support leaders with proven records of compassion, credibility, and service.
Dr. A. Rashid delivered one of the most fiery and hard-hitting speeches of the evening, openly criticizing Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and questioning his credibility as a Muslim representative. He declared that if Mamdani is considered a Muslim, then he himself would not claim that identity, arguing that Mamdani has never been seen engaging in authentic prayer or religious practice. Dr. Rashid warned that Mamdani’s political ambitions could ultimately sideline genuine Muslim voices, replacing them with individuals loyal only to his personal agenda rather than the community’s values. With passion and urgency, he urged the audience to carefully weigh Mamdani’s promises and recognize the risks of supporting him, cautioning that a vote in his favor could mean empowering a leader who neither truly reflects nor respects the faith, traditions, and moral foundations of the community.
Adam Azam, host and organizer of the conference, welcomed participants with a message of unity and peace across all religions. He praised Mayor Adams as a leader who listens to communities and upholds justice, describing him as a mayor who has consistently stood with New Yorkers of all faith backgrounds.
Tauqeer Ul Haq focused on the moral responsibility of leadership, stressing that faith must guide civic life. He urged the community to reject divisive figures and instead support leaders who embody honesty, fairness, and service to the people.
M. Nur Tofader of Millennium TV added a personal note, saying he has known Mayor Eric Adams “from zero to hero” very well, highlighting the mayor’s journey and dedication to the city. He praised Adams’ resilience, hard work, and commitment to serving all New Yorkers, noting how the mayor has consistently risen above challenges, earned the trust of diverse communities, and become a symbol of hope and effective leadership in New York City.
Imam Kzi Qauim reminded the audience that no religion endorses prostitution or exploitation, calling on all faith communities to unite in rejecting harmful policies. He highlighted the need for justice, dignity, and protection of families as guiding principles in choosing political leaders.
The conference also addressed pressing issues including prostitution in faith traditions, the effects of police defunding on crime in New York City, and Mamdani’s proposal to allocate $65 million for male-to-female transformation programs. Scholars and community leaders responded with strong critiques, sparking a spirited dialogue on whether such policies align with community values.
The evening concluded with dinner and fellowship, leaving participants with a renewed sense of unity and a call to action ahead of the upcoming elections. The Faiths United Interfaith Conference stood as a testament to the power of dialogue, faith, and informed decision-making in shaping the future of New York City.
