Islam Not Extremism; Muslims Aren't Radicals — Kurtulus Condemns Adams, Cuomo Supporters Over “Islamophobic Rhetoric”

New York community activist Ibrahim Kurtulus has criticized Mayor Eric Adams and political allies of former Governor Andrew Cuomo over remarks he says unfairly link Islam and Muslim Americans to extremism abroad.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kurtulus described the comments as “misleading, factually incorrect” and harmful to community relations in the city.

Kurtulus argued that recent comments — including a reference by Adams to violence in Nigeria — irresponsibly portray global conflicts as religious rather than rooted in complex political, social, and economic issues. He said such characterizations ignore the fact that communities of all faiths in Nigeria have suffered from insecurity and that Muslims have been both victims of and opponents to violence. Reducing those tragedies to “a political talking point,” he said, was deeply irresponsible.

The activist also warned that careless rhetoric by high-profile public officials risks emboldening discrimination and physical attacks against Muslims in New York. He pointed to a rise in harassment and intimidation in public spaces across the city, saying political leaders who remain silent in the face of bigotry contribute to the problem. “This silence is not neutrality. It is complicity,” he stated.

Kurtulus called for unity among New Yorkers of all backgrounds — Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Sikh, Black, Asian, LGBTQ+ and others — to defend shared values of dignity, equality and religious freedom. Stressing that New York’s diversity is its strength, he vowed that Muslim communities will continue to challenge stereotypes and reject attempts to use religion “as a political weapon.”

He concluded: “We stand together. We speak together. And we will not be divided.”