New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his excitement about the viral chant, "My mayor’s Muslim, my bagel’s Jewish," which has become a rallying cry for Knicks fans following the team's triumphant end to a 53-year NBA championship drought. This chant gained popularity after the Knicks staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, overcoming a 16-point deficit.

In a recent interview with MS Now’s Jacob Soboroff, Mamdani, donning a Knicks jersey, reflected on the chant's impact. He noted that the creator, MD Ahnaf Hossain, encapsulated the spirit of New York, stating, "He is a New Yorker whose words have really stayed with all of us."

The chant has evolved from its original form, celebrating not only the Knicks but also the diverse cultural fabric of New York City. Mamdani emphasized that it symbolizes unity, saying, "It’s not just a cookie cut out of the same thing again and again; it’s every single player having a role, bringing together all of the five boroughs in this moment."

The atmosphere in New York City has been electric, with thousands celebrating the Knicks' historic win. Mamdani remarked on the significance of this victory, saying, "People have been waiting for this for 53 years... And for it to actually happen now, I mean, there's nothing more we can ask for as New Yorkers."

Hossain, the lyricist behind the chant, shared that his goal was to unify the city, reflecting his upbringing among diverse communities. The chant has inspired various adaptations, showcasing the creativity of Knicks fans. Even the official New York Knicks account joined in, proclaiming, "NEW YORK FOREVER, WE DID THIS TOGETHER, THE CITY'S ALIVE, KNICKS IN FIVE." This moment of joy illustrates a unique unity among New Yorkers, as Mamdani noted, "It’s something that I have never seen before across our city."