NEW YORK (VINnews) – A prominent New York Muslim imam is challenging Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s criticism of Israel, saying many Muslims have been misinformed about the Jewish state and calling for closer Muslim-Jewish cooperation through investment, dialogue and interfaith engagement.

Imam Sheikh Musa Drammeh, a Gambian-born Muslim cleric based in the Bronx who is known for promoting interfaith relations and speaking out against antisemitism, made the remarks during an appearance on the Rabbi for America program with Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch.

During the interview, Drammeh announced the formation of the Unbreakable Bond Coalition, an initiative aimed at encouraging Muslims and others to invest in Israel and strengthen ties between the Muslim and Jewish communities. He said the effort was launched in response to what he described as Mayor Mamdani’s anti-Israel positions and support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

“We’re not asking for charity,” Drammeh said. “We’re encouraging people to invest in Israel because Israel is a strong and vibrant economy.”

Drammeh said his organization has brought more than 60 Muslim leaders to Israel, many of whom had never visited the country before. He said those trips exposed participants to Israeli Jews, Arab Israelis and Palestinians, leading many to reconsider long-held views shaped by political rhetoric rather than firsthand experience.

He argued that support for Israel is compatible with Islamic teachings and rejected the notion that Zionism and Islam are fundamentally at odds. Instead, he said Muslims and Jews share common values and should work together to combat hatred, extremism and antisemitism.

Rabbi Schonbuch praised Drammeh for publicly advocating dialogue with Israel despite criticism from some within the Muslim community, describing him as part of a growing movement of Muslim leaders committed to peace and coexistence.

Drammeh has emerged in recent years as one of New York’s most visible Muslim advocates for Muslim-Jewish dialogue. In addition to leading interfaith initiatives, he has publicly condemned antisemitism and has organized educational visits to Israel for Muslim community leaders in an effort to foster greater understanding between the two faiths.

The interview concluded with both men expressing hope that stronger cooperation between Muslims and Jews in New York could serve as a model for broader regional peace and interfaith understanding.