Bangladeshis ignore speech by hijab-wearing Congress member at Eid event in New York

Abu Sabet: A claim has emerged that many Bangladeshi attendees ignored U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez while she was delivering a speech at an Eid-al-Adha event in New York. A video related to the incident has gone viral on social media, sparking debate and discussion online.

The Representative went to a celebration of the Muslim holiday with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in the Bronx on Wednesday, during which she wore a scarf as a hijab.

Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor, wore an Arsenal kurta, and AOC wore a head covering as she spoke.

A clip of her speech has since gone viral, showing her speaking about 'solidarity,' urging the crowd to be devoted to their neighbors and community to 'bring light into the darkness.'

Ocasio-Cortez's speech was muffled by background noise and attendees speaking among themselves.

Some claimed that the clip was ironic considering the theme of her speech, with one writing on X, 'While AOC was preaching "solidarity" in her hijab, the male-only crowd ignored her and spoke over her.'

'Funny how every viral clip of AOC’s Eid speech was filmed tight on her face with cleaned-up audio,' another said.

'Then this wide-shot video surfaced and the crowd was talking over her so loudly you could barely hear her at all. It felt more like a staged social media publicity clip than an actual speech.' However, others praised Ocasio-Cortez for respecting Muslim tradition and pointed out that the event was held outdoors.

'Tell me you’ve never been to a massive outdoor community event without telling me. She was invited by the community to speak, and wearing a headscarf is just basic respect for a religious holiday - the same way politicians wear a kippah at a synagogue,' one argued. Another X user questioned whether it was disrespectful for Ocasio-Cortez to wear a headscarf when she is not Muslim, to which the representative replied, 'Hey there! It’s the first. This is at a mosque, where we were invited by the congregation to speak before prayer.

'In this context, head coverings are the respectful move. One of the fun parts of being a rep for NYC is learning different customs for so many communities. Cheers!'

The video also generated attention from Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad, who slammed Ocasio-Cortez on X, writing, 'That's not a custom. That's not a fun learning experience. That's a woman's life. Women live under Sharia laws are not your cultural tourism. End Wokeness on Twitter / X

While AOC was preaching "solidarity" in her hijab, the male-only crowd ignored her and spoke over her: 'We are dying for the freedom you performed as hospitality. Anyway, I'll be in New York court in August facing Islamic regime’s hitman #5. Solidarity, right? Or it’s nut fun!'

Eid al-Adha, translated as the Feast of Sacrifice, is a holiday celebrated for three to four days, during which Muslims attend special prayer ceremonies at mosques and Islamic centers. The holiday honors Prophet Ibrahim. Mamdani added in a statement on X, 'Eid al-Adha reminds us that sacrifice is not a burden. It is an opportunity to see ourselves as part of something larger. To extend a hand to those who need it most.'

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