Photo credit: X account of Speaker Julie Menin.
NEW YORK — On the eve of Ramadan, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin convened Muslim community leaders at City Hall on Tuesday for a roundtable discussion focused on combating Islamophobia and expanding access to halal food across the city.
Council Member Shahana Hanif joined the conversation, which addressed concerns about rising anti-Muslim hate and barriers facing halal food pantries. The meeting brought together religious and community leaders from organizations and mosques throughout the five boroughs, along with City Council staff.
“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,” Menin said in a statement. “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 were the need to improve hate crime reporting systems, including expanding language access, and addressing financial and contracting challenges that limit the ability of halal food pantries to serve families in need.
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Menin, who has made community safety a legislative priority, noted that one week into her term the Council voted to establish the Committee to Combat Hate. She appointed Council Member Yusef Salaam as chair. Salaam also participated in Tuesday’s roundtable.
Menin has introduced legislation aimed at ensuring safe access to houses of worship, including mosques, and is working with colleagues on measures to strengthen protections and expand security funding for Islamic schools and other faith-based institutions.
“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,” Hanif said. “Protecting Muslim New Yorkers from Islamophobia and ensuring access to halal food are fundamental to our dignity and safety.”
Salaam, chair of the Committee to Combat Hate, said the roundtable was an opportunity to hear directly from community members and advance policies that protect religious freedom.
“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,” Salaam said.
Community leaders welcomed the discussion and called for sustained action.
Erum Hanif, co-founder and CEO of APNA Community Services, said the meeting was a critical first step toward developing a comprehensive strategy to combat discrimination and ensure access to culturally appropriate resources.
Dr. Debbie Almontaser, CEO of Bridging Cultures Group, said she looks forward to working with the Council on a plan to address the rise in anti-Muslim hate.
Heba Khalil, state director of Emgage New York Metro Chapter, said Muslim New Yorkers deserve “measurable action and sustained accountability” to ensure their safety and dignity.
Staff from Salaam’s o