NEWS DESK
NEW YORK: New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the expansion of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) with the appointment of its first-ever Director of Muslim Affairs. Long Island resident Mohammad Mohsin Awais officially assumed the role on December 6, 2024.
In this newly created position, Awais will engage with Muslim communities across New York, addressing their needs and connecting them with the OAG’s resources related to civil rights, housing, workers’ rights, consumer protection, and more.
“New York is home to one of the largest Muslim communities in the country, and I am proud to welcome the Office of the Attorney General’s first-ever Director of Muslim Affairs to work with Muslim communities across the state,” said Attorney General James. “From Buffalo to Brooklyn, Muslim communities have grown and contributed meaningfully to our neighborhoods for generations. This new role will help ensure that Muslim New Yorkers’ voices are heard, their needs are met, and their rights are protected.”
The creation of this role comes at a time when Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate are on the rise. As part of the OAG’s Intergovernmental Affairs team, this position will strengthen outreach efforts with New York’s diverse communities, including Latino, Jewish, and Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. It will also build on Attorney General James’ ongoing engagement with Muslim communities through town halls, iftars, and other community events.
