New York City has witnessed many political firsts, but none quite like this. On Tuesday, Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old former state assemblyman from Queens, made history by becoming New York’s first Muslim and youngest mayor since 1917.

But it wasn’t just his sweeping grassroots victory that captured hearts—it was also the language of his promise. Standing before an ecstatic crowd in Brooklyn, Mamdani concluded his rousing victory speech with simple Arabic words that carried the weight of generations: “I am of you and for you.” New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani used the Arabic phrase ‘Ana minkum wa ilaykum’ in his victory speech to call for unity and belonging. He promised to stand against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia and represent all the city’s communities pic.twitter.com/vbU8C8AQxF — The National (@TheNationalNews) November 5, 2025 For many in the audience, the phrase was more than a slogan—it was a bridge. In Arabic, the expression signifies deep belonging, solidarity, and service to the people.

It’s a declaration often used to convey that a leader does not stand above his community, but within it. The moment drew quiet applause from those who understood it instantly, then a surge of cheers once the meaning was translated. In that instant, Mamdani’s campaign message—centered on affordability, representation, and inclusion—came full circle. His use of Arabic wasn’t just cultural symbolism; it was a statement about identity in a city built by immigrants from every corner of the world.

“New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants, and as of tonight, led by an immigrant,” he told the roaring crowd moments earlier. NEW: NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani challenges President Trump in his victory speech: “New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants. And as of tonight, led by an immigrant.” “So hear me, President Trump, when I say this: To get… pic.twitter.com/L0tOS5Ddnr — Fox News (@FoxNews) November 5, 2025 Mamdani’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Once a little-known state assemblyman, he galvanized a multilingual, working-class coalition that knocked on more than two million doors across the city.

His campaign—run in Arabic, Urdu, Bangla, and Spanish—broke traditional barriers of New York politics, reaching communities long ignored by establishment candidates.  BREAKING: NYC’s New Mayor Just Quoted JAWAHARLAL NEHRU - the Socialist Who Crushed Hindus and Empowered Jihadis  Zohran Mamdani didn’t quote Washington, Jefferson, or Lincoln. He quoted Jawaharlal Nehru - the Marxist “founding father” of socialist India, who: Turned… pic.twitter.com/3tKBuKYzzW — Amy Mek (@AmyMek) November 5, 2025 Quoting Jawaharlal Nehru’s Tryst with Destiny speech, Mamdani told supporters, “Tonight, New York has stepped from the old into the new.” His victory marks not only a political shift but a cultural one—a city ready to embrace leadership that reflects its global soul.