The city of New York is once again at the heart of a political storm, and this time it’s revolving around the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Understandably, emotions run high during this time as families of the victims come together to mourn and remember the 2,977 souls lost. However, the latest brouhaha surrounds the new mayor, Zoran Mdani, and whether he should attend the Ground Zero memorial ceremony. One hundred thousand signatures strong, a petition is swirling like a tempest, demanding that he stay away.

Now, what could possibly cause all this ruckus? It turns out, the mayor has made some questionable decisions that have many raising their eyebrows higher than a northeastern skyscraper. For starters, there’s his appointment of one Ramsey Cassam as the chief legal counsel. Cassam, by the way, previously represented a convicted al-Qaeda member. Yes, you read that right. The brother-in-law of the terrorist who helped orchestrate the Pentagon attack. It’s like appointing the fox to guard the henhouse, isn’t it?

“Never forget” is the solemn mantra echoing throughout the nation, yet Mayor Mdani seems to be stumbling down memory lane with peculiar friends in his entourage. His previous absences from past 9/11 memorials and his apparent coziness with figures who don’t exactly emulate pro-American values only add fuel to the fire. It seems the mayor might be more comfortable in a debate than in quiet reflection with heroes and families of victims. And one wonders, what exactly was he doing on past September 11ths? Sipping lattes while drafting posts about America’s “Islamophobic overreaction,” perhaps?

Here we have a mayor who seems to have a knack for rubbing salt in the wounds of his city’s heroes, first responders, and grieving families. By handing a symbolic pen to Cassam—a pen linked to a day marked by horror—Mdani sent a message that resonated more like a slap than a handshake. Was it an amateur political move, or is he playing a deeper game? Theories abound, with some suggesting it was a gesture of provocation rather than peace. Others see it as an intentional choice meant to rile up those who cherish the memory of the brave souls lost that day.

His impending attendance at the ceremony is causing quite the kerfuffle. While some pundits hope the families and first responders turn their backs in a silent protest should he show, the underlying issue speaks louder than one man’s attendance. It’s about remembering the true weight of what happened on 9/11 and ensuring it remains sacred, devoid of political stunt work. Whether Mayor Mdani stays or goes, one thing is certain: the legacy of that day, the courage of its victims, and the spirit of New York rings stronger than any signature on a pen.