Controversy Erupts Over World Hijab Day Post From New York Mayor’s Office

A social media post marking World Hijab Day from the office of New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has sparked sharp criticism and debate, particularly in light of Iran’s ongoing protests against mandatory hijab laws.

The post, shared on February 1 by the mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, described the hijab as a symbol of “identity and pride” for Muslim women. Critics, however, have labeled the message insensitive, arguing that it overlooks the repression faced by women in Iran who oppose compulsory hijab rules.

Opponents say that by celebrating World Hijab Day in this manner, Mamdani has indirectly aligned himself with forces accused of oppressing Iranian women. They argue the post fails to acknowledge the human rights abuses linked to enforced veiling in Iran.

Iranian-American journalist and activist Masih Alinejad strongly condemned the message, writing on social media platform X that while women in her country are imprisoned or even shot for refusing to wear the hijab, such celebrations by New York City’s mayor are deeply offensive. She added that glorifying the hijab without addressing coercion amounts to siding with jailers rather than the persecuted.

French writer and human rights advocate Bernard-Henri Lévy also criticized the post, questioning how the hijab could be celebrated as a symbol of pride from a city like New York while thousands of Iranian women continue to face abuse and repression.

Zohran Mamdani has previously been vocal about discrimination, Islamophobia, and anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States. In past remarks, he recalled that his aunt was afraid to ride the subway wearing a hijab following the September 11, 2001 attacks. He has also said that he was advised to downplay his religious identity when entering politics.

Critics, however, argue that while Mamdani has spoken forcefully about protecting the religious freedoms of Muslims in New York, he has largely ignored the humanitarian dimensions of Iran’s anti–mandatory hijab movement. Many women in Iran are now openly defying hijab laws in protest, a reality that critics say stands in stark contrast to the celebratory tone of the mayoral office’s message.