New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is facing criticism from conservatives after wearing a hijab during a visit to the Islamic Cultural Center of New York in Queens, where she addressed worshippers during Friday prayers.
Hochul, dressed in a charcoal gray suit and black hijab, spoke to congregants during the weekly Jummah prayer service and thanked Kuwaiti U.N. representative Tareq Albanai for welcoming her. She also toured the center’s school facilities.
The appearance quickly drew backlash from prominent conservatives. Women’s sports activist Riley Gaines accused Hochul of hypocrisy, while Republican Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas and CNN commentator Scott Jennings mocked Democrats over their frequent warnings about conservative policies toward women.
Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro also criticized Hochul, noting that her appearance came shortly before the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks.
The Islamic center praised Hochul’s visit, calling it a meaningful recognition of the institution’s role in bringing together New Yorkers from across the city and state.
Hochul has previously faced similar criticism. In July 2025, Sen. Ted Cruz slammed her for wearing a hijab at the funeral of slain Muslim NYPD Detective Didarul Islam. Hochul responded at the time that she was respecting the grieving family’s religious traditions.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
4 Responses
Just wondering why is it different then politicians put on a Kipa?
maybe she wears a shtreimel when coming to a shul
It’s better we don’t see that rashas face
Within a place of worship, officials and outsiders being respectful of the religious atmosphere is hardly grounds to make a stink. There is no need to cause unneccessary tension between Jews and Muslims. There’s enough tension to start. If there is a policy Hochul pushes that isn’t good or if the Center has an Imam with extreme views, then that can be a controversy…but being respectful should not be anything to report at all!