REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WASHINGTON -- Chairman of Al Hikmah Mosque in New York, United States, Imam Shamsi Ali has held an annual Islamic parade in Manhattan on Sunday (September 24).  

Imam Shamsi said the theme of the Islamic parade known as the United American Muslim Day Parade is "Building Bridges" which is an antithesis of Donald Trump divisive and racist policies. 

US President Donald Trump is synonymous with his slogan building walls, he said in a statement received by Republika.co.id on Monday.

He explained there are two things that made this Islamic parade this year unique. First, dedicating this parade as full solidarity to Rohingya. "That's why we elect an activist from Rohingya community, Mouhiddin Yousuf, as Grand Marshal of the event," Imam Shamsi said. 

And second, this parade attended by many non-Muslims as evidence that Muslims are not alone infacing their challenges. Then one of the Honorary Grand Marshal is Rabbi Marc Schenier, an influential Jewish leader in New York City, he said. 

This parade is the 32nd since first staged in 1985. Imam Shamsi himself was proud to be part of this annual Islamic parade. "Alhamdulillah, I have been the chairman of this parade since 1998," he added. 

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