The Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, commanded attention on Wednesday when he attended Eid al-Adha prayers in the Bronx wearing an Arsenal-themed kurta.
The city’s first Muslim mayor and diehard fan of the English soccer team opted for the long blue-and-black jersey with red stripes on its sleeves for the Eid event in the Bronx with his Democratic socialist ally Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
“Today as we honor Prophet Ibrahim, Eid al-Adha reminds us that sacrifice is not a burden,” he posted on X. “It is an opportunity to see ourselves as part of something larger. To extend a hand to those who need it most.
“I am honored to be New York City’s first Muslim Mayor, and I am determined to lead through solidarity. Together, we are working to ensure every New Yorker can afford the groceries, housing, and child care they need.”
“Our solidarity is our strength,” he concluded.
Mamdani was born and raised in Uganda and is New York’s first Muslim and Asian-American mayor.
He began supporting Arsenal at the age of 10 when his uncle bought him a set of fridge magnets with the images of Gunners stars, including Sylvain Wiltord, David Seaman, Sol Campbell, and Thierry Henry.
Arsenal was crowned champions of the English Premier League last week, and will play against Paris-Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday, May 30.
