Local New York groups condemn George Latimer's Islamophobic comments

YONKERS, NY – A coalition of local organizations from New York’s 16th Congressional District and across the state today, including Emgage Action, released a joint statement regarding George Latimer’s recent Islamophobic comments.

GROUP 1, GROUP 2, and GROUP 3 issued the statement following news reports of Latimer doubling down on his offensive, false attacks regarding Muslim donorsof Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s campaign.

“As voters in this district and members of the New York Muslim community, we are calling on George Latimer to formally rescind his offensive and Islamophobic comments conflating Muslims like us with Hamas. We are deeply troubled to see him double down on his anti-Muslim sentiments when he knows full well this rhetoric directly puts the lives of Muslim and Arab Americans in danger across Westchester and the state. Fomenting this type of bigotry that has no place in America and New York’s Muslim community demands an apology and rescinding of his rhetoric,” the coalition stated.

Emgage Action, part of this coalition, called upon the Democratic Party to rescind their support of Latimer, and for Latimer to apologize for his Islamophobic comments.

“Latimer’s statements not only misrepresent our beliefs but also endanger the well-being of Muslim Americans. It is for this reason that we call upon the Democratic Party to rescind their support for him.

We advocate for dialogue and understanding, rather than division, and call for Latimer to immediately retract and apologize for these harmful comments. It’s imperative to foster an environment of respect and safety for all, irrespective of faith,” stated Dr. Debbie Almontaser, Senior Advisor of Emgage New York Metro.

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