Mamdani declares Sept. 11 an annual ‘day of remembrance;’ former Gov. George Pataki – who was mayor at the time of the attacks – calls on Mamdani to skip the 9/11 memorial
By Chris Wade
The Center Square
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday designated Sept. 11 as an official "day of remembrance and service" and unveiled plans to improve the city's preparedness as it marks the 25th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks.
Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor, signed an executive order establishing a day of service, which will require an annual moment of silence, memorial ceremonies, and community service. He also signed an order he said will modernize the City’s Continuity of Operations planning for the first time since 2007, helping ensure that the city can continue delivering essential services and protecting New Yorkers during an emergency.
He said the "day of remembrance" directive calls on New Yorkers to honor the memories of those who died that day "through service and deep reflection."
"We must also recognize that remembrance carries a responsibility to strengthen our city, protect New Yorkers and ensure that government is prepared to deliver for people no matter the circumstances," Mamdani said in a statement. "Never Forget' is not a slogan. It is a commitment that we must carry forward through action."
Nearly 3,000 people were killed when Islamic terrorists crashed hijacked jetliners into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in southwest Pennsylvania during the Sept. 11 attacks. More than 2,700 of those victims died in the collapse of the trade center’s iconic twin towers.
Mamdani's orders come as he faces criticism from groups — including 911 families and survivors — who don't want him to attend the Ground Zero commemorations next Friday because of his previous statements.
On Thursday, Republican former Gov. George Pataki — who was mayor at the time of the attacks — added to a chorus of voices calling on Mamdani to skip the 9/11 memorial commemorating its 25th anniversary.
"Anyone who has refused to reject the phrase ‘globalize the intifada,’ which unequivocally calls for violence against Jews, not just in Israel but anywhere in the world, should not be at that site," Pataki told City & State news outlet.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, a Nassau County Executive challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul, has said attendees should turn their backs on Mamdani at the memorial if he attends.
Mamdani has said he plans to attend the event and has brushed off suggestions that he isn't welcome. He said the orders he signed Friday "honor the victims, first responders, survivors, city workers and families whose lives were forever changed by the tragedy while strengthening city government’s ability to protect New Yorkers and maintain essential services during emergencies."
New York City Fire Department Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore was among those who praised the mayor's order, saying that by designating Sept. 11 as a day of service "we remember those we lost and carry forward the spirit that defined our city in its darkest hours."
"Service was the legacy of those who answered the call on September 11, 2001, and those who have died since." she said in a statement. "The greatest tribute we can pay them is to continue serving one another with compassion, courage and a shared commitment to building a stronger New York."