My Diary in America: With the Mayor of New York City

Yemeni mp

Ahmed Saif Hashed

I received a brief text message from businessman Omar Al-Saadi, informing me that he would take me along with Dr. Tariq Al-Amary. He didn’t tell me where we were going, but he insisted that I be ready by five in the afternoon. We waited for him at the appointed time.

We traveled from Brooklyn to Yonkers, to the home of his lawyer. We knocked on the door, and a woman warmly welcomed us. Her husband then appeared from inside. In this context, the woman holds a status and importance that many Eastern societies do not recognize. I felt that this was not mere coincidence, but rather a reflection of politeness and social customs prevalent in America, or so I assumed.

Her reception reminded me of the 1980s when I visited Ramah area in Hadhramaut, where we were guests in some local homes. The women there welcomed us according to their traditions. In that region, it is the wife who takes charge of hospitality, while the husband may leave the matters of hosting to her, adhering to strict social norms that dictate the guest’s behavior. Their women are beautiful, equally known for their modesty and purity.

* * *

The features of the lawyer’s wife appeared American to me, although I was informed that her husband is Christian of Levantine descent. Their home and its surroundings sparkled with beauty, blending luxury and elegance with captivating details that caught the eye from the grandest elements to the finest specifics.

We approached a table with a pen and a form to register the donor’s name and the amount contributed for the mayor’s re-election campaign. I had no idea this was a donation event. The only cash I had on me was a single fifty-dollar bill, which was neither suitable for donation nor divisible in a moment of confusion.

Omar Al-Saadi saved me by saying, “Register two thousand dollars, and I’ll cover it for him.” The lawyer intervened, insisting that it should be specifically for me. From what I gathered, the lawyer’s objection was based on American law, which prohibits such donations since I do not hold U.S. citizenship. I then saw Al-Saadi writing a check for himself and Dr. Sadiq Al-Amary. The amount indicated on the check reflected the generous and lavish contributions of Yemenis with American citizenship at events like this.

* * *

We descended to the courtyard of the mansion, which overlooked a lush garden considered part of its extensions. There, I found Yemeni businessmen holding American citizenship, and a hall filled with sweets, fruits, and breakfast items.

In the lounge near the hall, there were various types of whiskey that rivaled the one once claimed to be present in Judge Qotran’s home. From a distance, I noticed glasses filled with ice and bottles of cold water, creating an atmosphere where no one questioned where I came from.

I was thirsty due to the intense heat we were experiencing in the peak of summer. I didn’t dare go to grab a bottle of water, as the cartons of water bottles were next to the luxury whiskey bottles. So, I asked the driver of one of the Yemeni businessmen to fetch me a bottle of water, hoping the others wouldn’t misinterpret it as I prepared for al Maghrib prayer. He went and returned with a bottle of water, and when I asked for his name, he apologized. His apology puzzled me, but it didn’t stop me from suppressing a quiet laugh to avoid drawing attention from those present.

* * *

I saw a man descending the stairs amidst his admirers—a tall, slender Black man. The attendees below stood up for him, though I didn’t know who he was. I sensed he was an important figure, the hero and star of this celebration.

As he came down the stairs, I rose from my seat in surprise when I heard the lawyer tell him that there was a Yemeni parliament member present. I noticed his elegant smile, revealing a light spirit and bright white teeth. I asked those around me about this man, and they replied, “The Mayor of New York City.” I was pleased to know that the mayor was a Black man.

I approached him to take a selfie, something I rarely do with others. He welcomed me warmly, drawing me close. He spoke to us with great humility. He delivered a speech, although I didn’t understand what he said due to the lack of a translator. Nevertheless, the meeting was enjoyable; the mayor was humble, and I added vibrant new connections to my understanding of America and its democracy.