The Case Against Council Member Hanif
Council Member Shahana Hanif has a lot to say but it rarely pertains to the actual work of representing Brooklyn’s District 39. She’s quick to speak on foreign affairs but often silent on the local issues that matter most. She’s also dropped the ball on her core duty—constituent services—leaving her district office closed for eight months in 2024 and angering locals with her lackluster response to their calls for assistance and support.
She has not only tolerated antisemitic rhetoric and dismissed Jewish concerns, but actively encourages it by stating that she won’t “stifle” tactics. She’s also provided no evidence that she received permission to funnel $149,000 in taxpayer funds to nonprofits tied to her husband—without disclosing any conflict.
Hanif’s pattern of neglect and ethical lapses led us to say: Enough is enough and that District 39 deserves better. Below are 39 reasons for constituents to question Hanif’s leadership and judgement. Take a read and then sign up to volunteer or donate to support real change.
Failure of Ethics
Finance records reveal that Council Member Hanif directed over $149,000 in taxpayer funds to two nonprofits—Arab American Association of New York (AAANY) and the Arab-American Family Support Center (AAFSC)—where her husband serves on the board. While we have no issue with the good works of these organizations, Hanif failed to disclose the conflict of interest, raising serious ethical concerns, and then lied to the public when questioned by a news reporter. This constitutes self-dealing and undermines public trust, calling into question her commitment to transparency and accountability as a representative of District 39. More details here.
Finance records show that Council Member Hanif accepted donations from individuals whose actions and affiliations have raised eyebrows—including activist Linda Sarsour, Columbia Professor Rebecca Young, and real estate investors Ben Thypin and Adam Ring. Sarsour has been widely criticized for antisemitic rhetoric, while Young aided student protesters during a campus building takeover. Thypin and Ring’s ties to development clash with Hanif’s anti-real estate rhetoric, prompting critics to question her ethics and progressive credibility. More details here.
Failure of Real Leadership
In the 2024 New York Democratic presidential primary, Council Member Hanif endorsed the "Leave It Blank" campaign, urging voters to submit blank ballots. This support of the "opt-out" movement aided Republicans by reducing support for the Democratic candidate, contributing to outcomes like Trump's election in 2024. Hanif's involvement raises serious concerns about her political judgment and the consequences of such protest strategies.
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Failure to Stand Up for Her Constituents
In June 2023, Council Member Hanif defended MS 51 Principal Neal Singh, despite 41 educators filing the largest union animus grievance in UFT history. Two-thirds of staff had voted no confidence in Singh, citing retaliation, harassment, and contract violations. Hanif dismissed the allegations as racist harassment, ignoring documented abuse and widespread staff turnover. Her stance showed clear disregard for labor rights and public school educators—proving she is no ally to unions or the teachers she claims to support. Read more about the incident here, here, and here, and the Council Member’s tone deaf response here.
In August 2022, a woman was attacked in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park by a homeless man wielding a stick, who also fatally injured her dog, Moose. This was not the first time this indivudal had attacked someone in the park. Despite multiple 911 calls and confirmed sightings, the suspect remained free for months, fueling outrage across the city and beyond. Council Member Hanif failed her constituents, showing more concern for the attacker’s well-being than for public safety. Her refusal to also demand action left victims unsupported and the community vulnerable.
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Failure to Stand Up to Hate
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Cras pulvinar fermentum risus quis condimentum. Curabitur est velit, fringilla ut dictum a, molestie vitae justo. Vivamus et sapien erat. Maecenas commodo, justo quis auctor finibus, eros nulla molestie risus, quis pulvinar massa libero nec ex. Praesent fringilla blandit libero, eget pellentesque metus tempus sit amet. Vestibulum ut vestibulum mi, eget mattis sapien. Fusce accumsan, massa eu dapibus scelerisque, est odio ultricies neque, non mattis mi ex a diam. In maximus dolor non interdum venenatis.
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