Speaker Julie Menin Convenes Roundtable of Muslim Community Leaders to Discuss Islamophobia and Access to Halal Food

Conversation on eve of Ramadan addressed enhancements to hate crime reporting systems, barriers facing halal food pantries, and the Council's broader commitment to Muslim New Yorkers' safety and dignity

City Hall, NY - This afternoon, on the eve of Ramadan, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin convened a group of Muslim leaders from across the city for a roundtable discussion on combating Islamophobia and expanding access to halal food, two issues that are central to the dignity, safety, and daily lives of the city's vibrant Muslim community. Council Member Shahana Hanif also joined the conversation.

Photos from the roundtable are available here.

"I'm proud to convene this group of dedicated leaders to strengthen how we support Muslim New Yorkers, from confronting Islamophobia to ensuring culturally competent services such as access to halal meals," said Speaker Julie Menin. "As we begin the holy month of Ramadan, we must also recognize the heightened safety concerns many Muslim families are feeling. The Council remains committed to ensuring that Muslim New Yorkers are safe, respected, and celebrated: in their mosques, in their schools, and in every neighborhood across our city."

Among the issues raised during the conversation were the need to enhance hate crime reporting systems, including through expanding language access, and obstacles for halal food pantries, such as costs and contracting.

Speaker Menin has made community safety a cornerstone of her legislative and funding priorities. One week into her term, the Council voted to form the Committee to Combat Hate, of which Speaker Menin appointed Council Member Yusef Salaam as chair. Speaker Menin also introduced a bill to ensure safe access to houses of worship, including mosques, and is working alongside her colleagues to pass legislation strengthening protections and security funding for Islamic schools and others. Today's roundtable further reflects the Speaker's commitment to leveraging the full reach of the City Council to confront hate in all its forms in direct partnership with community leaders.

Speaker Menin and Council Member Hanif were joined by community and religious leaders representing organizations and mosques from across the city. Staff from the Office of Council Member Yusef Salaam and from the City Council's Legislative, Community Engagement, and Finance divisions were also present to identify potential steps for advancing protections and resources for Muslim New Yorkers.

"As the only Muslim woman serving in the New York City Council, I'm grateful to join this roundtable as we begin Ramadan and address the issues facing New York City's Muslim community," said Council Member Shahana Hanif. "Protecting Muslim New Yorkers from Islamophobia and ensuring access to halal food are fundamental to our dignity and safety. Real progress requires collaboration among community leaders and elected officials, and I'm committed to working together to meet the needs of the people we serve."

"New York City's strength lies in the dignity and diversity of its people. Confronting Islamophobia and ensuring meaningful access to Halal food are not symbolic gestures - they are necessary steps toward equity, safety, and full participation in daily life for our Muslim communities," said Council Member Yusef Salaam, Chair of the Committee of Combat Hate. "This roundtable is an opportunity to listen, to engage directly with lived experiences, and to advance policies that affirm every New Yorker's right to practice their faith with respect, security, and belonging."

"At a time when Islamophobia is rising, immigrant communities are facing federal enforcement challenges, and many families are experiencing food insecurity and uncertainty due to federal cuts, it is essential that our city's leaders are listening and taking concrete action to address hate and discrimination in all its forms," said Erum Hanif, Co-Founder and CEO of APNA Community Services. "We are grateful to Speaker Julie Menin for taking early and meaningful steps to engage Muslim leaders. Today's convening was a critical first step toward building a comprehensive strategy that protects our communities, ensures access to culturally appropriate resources, including halal food, and affirms the rights of all New Yorkers to live and worship freely. We look forward to continued partnership with the Council to advance policies that promote safety, dignity, and inclusion for everyone."

"Speaker Menin has made it a priority to address the Muslim community needs and concerns," said Dr. Debbie Almontaser, CEO of Bridging Cultures Group. "Speaker Menin held her first convening, one of many more to come with NYC Muslim leaders to discuss the rise of anti-Muslim hate and how to combat it on the eve of Ramadan. I look forward to working with Speaker Menin on developing a robust plan to combat Islamophobia."

"I am grateful to the Speaker for convening Muslim leaders and for her clear commitment to safety and dignity of Muslim New Yorkers," said Heba Khalil, State Director of Emgage New York Metro Chapter. "As Ramadan begins and concerns in our community are heightened, this moment calls for continued partnership, measurable action, and sustained accountability. Muslim New Yorkers deserve policies that not only acknowledges our experience, but delivers real protections and solutions for our community."

###