AAANY Addresses City Council on the Surge of Hate Crimes and Community Needs

On the 29th of May, AAANY’s Advocacy & Civic Engagement Manager, Maryam Al Khaldi, testified before New York City Council to speak out against the alarming rise in hate crimes targeting Arab, Muslim, immigrant, and BIPOC communities.

In her testimony, Maryam uplifted the voices of community members who continue to face harassment, violence, and discrimination simply for who they are. She called on the City to expand its investment in the Hate Crimes Prevention Initiative (HCPI), a vital program that funds frontline organizations doing the hard work of responding to hate, educating communities, and advocating for safety and healing.

AAANY has long been a trusted resource for Arab and Muslim New Yorkers navigating both systemic injustice and acts of hate. As the number of hate incidents rises—particularly against visibly Muslim women, Palestinian advocates, and immigrants—the need for culturally competent, community-based support has never been more urgent.

We thank the NYC Council members who continue to stand with us, and we urge the City to take bold action in protecting our communities. HCPI must be funded—not just as a reaction to hate, but as a commitment to a safer, more just New York for all.