Mayor Mandami has shown insensitivity towards the deep trauma that 9/11 inflicted on countless families by associating with figures like Siraj Wahhaj, an alleged unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. It is a grave concern that Mayor Mandami has never openly condemned terrorism, failing to address the pain it has caused.

Each year, the anniversary of September 11th marks a solemn period of remembrance for those lost and for the first responders who valiantly risked their lives. Attendance at such an event should be a privilege, reserved for leaders who understand and respect the magnitude of this tragedy, consistently aligning their actions with the ethos of peace and remembrance.

Given his affiliations, many of us in the community believe that his presence would not only be inappropriate but also disrespectful to the memory of the victims and the grieving families. Leadership demands integrity, empathy, and transparency, qualities we find lacking in our current mayor regarding this sensitive issue.

By attending the memorial, Mayor Mandami risks turning a day of unity and mourning into a political spectacle that could cloud the essence of why we gather. We urge local and national leaders to reconsider allowing his attendance to preserve the sanctity of this memorial.

Sign this petition to stand with us in urging that leadership at 9/11 ceremonies should be in the hands of individuals who have demonstrated unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and who deeply respect the significance of the day.