In a strongly worded open letter dated June 30, 2025, New York-based community activist Ibrahim Kurtulus condemned U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for what he described as “Islamophobic” remarks directed at New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani.

The letter, addressed to Senator Gillibrand’s Manhattan office, expressed “deep disappointment and profound concern” over her recent public comments that Kurtulus said either explicitly or implicitly targeted Mamdani’s Muslim faith.

“Whether overt or delivered through coded implication, such statements have no place in American political discourse—especially not from a sitting U.S. Senator representing one of the most diverse states in our Union,” Kurtulus wrote.

He rebuked what he viewed as the weaponization of religion to discredit Mamdani, who represents Astoria, Queens in the New York State Assembly:

“Let me be clear: weaponizing a person’s religion or place of origin to discredit their political views is not only morally unacceptable, it is a direct betrayal of the constitutional principles you have sworn to uphold.”

Calling Mamdani a “duly elected” official who participates “with transparency and a clear dedication to the constituents he serves,” Kurtulus emphasized that his Muslim faith should never be grounds for suspicion or public vilification.

“When a lawmaker’s ideas—however progressive or contested—are reduced to an issue of faith or heritage, a dangerous precedent is set,” he warned.
“It sends a message that certain Americans are to be judged not by their actions or words, but by their religion, ethnicity, or country of birth. This is not only offensive—it is profoundly un-American.”

Kurtulus questioned the source of Gillibrand’s talking points, asking whether her stance was based on “Assemblyman Mamdani’s legislative record, official statements, or verified interviews,” or if she had been influenced by “echo chambers of misinformation.”

“If it is the latter—as it appears to be—you have not only erred in judgment but abdicated the responsibility of fact-based, inclusive leadership that your office demands.”

The letter also invoked foundational American ideals:“Let us not forget: our nation was founded on the ideals of religious freedom, equal protection under the law, and the belief that citizenship—not religion, race, or ancestry—is what defines an American.”

While acknowledging that Mamdani holds strong views, Kurtulus defended the right to debate policies without using identity as a weapon:

“Yes, Assemblyman Mamdani holds strong views. Like any public official, his policies deserve scrutiny and robust debate. But to associate his platform with danger simply because of his Muslim identity is an act of fear-mongering that dishonors our shared values and damages public trust.”

Expressing solidarity with all communities affected by hate speech, Kurtulus wrote: “As someone who has always stood firm against antisemitism and anti-Hindu rhetoric—as well as Islamophobia and anti-LGBTQ+ hate—I take this moment seriously. I believe deeply in the principle that an attack on one is an attack on all.”

In conclusion, he urged the Senator to reflect and respond: “Senator Gillibrand, I urge you to reflect on the gravity of your words and the consequences they carry. I respectfully call upon you to clarify and correct your remarks, and to issue a public apology. Silence in the face of this kind of rhetoric is not neutrality—it is complicity.”

Kurtulus called for leadership that rejects division, encourages fair debate, and upholds the U.S. Constitution in both “letter and spirit.”