This week on the Sumud Podcast, we’re joined by Mussab Ali - a cancer survivor, civil rights advocate, and one of the youngest Muslim elected officials in U.S. history. Born in Pakistan and raised in Jersey City, Mussab’s story is one of grit, public service, and fearless truth-telling.
At just 20 years old, Mussab became the youngest-ever elected official in Jersey City, eventually rising to president of the Board of Education. Where he advocated for clean water access, increased teacher pay, and halal food and Eid holidays for Muslim students. While studying at Harvard Law, Mussab battled cancer, completed chemotherapy, and still graduated while serving his community.
Now, he’s running for mayor of Jersey City - not just to lead, but to represent. In a political moment where speaking up for Palestine is often seen as a career-ender, Mussab has done the opposite: calling out injustice, demanding a ceasefire, and getting thrown out of city hall for refusing to stay silent.
🔑 In this conversation, we explore:
➡ Surviving cancer, chairing the school board, & attending Harvard Law
➡ How loyalty to your hometown shapes bold leadership
➡ The power of showing up authentically in politics
➡ Running for office and standing up for Palestine
➡ How Trump’s Islamophobic lies inspired Mussab’s first campaign
➡ Creating the Ali Leadership Institute and investing in youth power
This video is for educational purposes only. It provides historical and political analysis to inform and educate viewers.
📌Chapters:
00:00 – Mussab’s Introduction & Early Life
03:10 – Growing Up Muslim in New Jersey
07:28 – Becoming Jersey City’s Youngest Elected Official
14:48 – Wins for the Muslim Community & Equity in Schools
20:15 – Mussab's Academic Journey in China and at Harvard
24:56 – Cancer Diagnosis &Interning During Chemotherapy
30:28 – Starting the Ali Leadership Institute
32:35 – Running for Mayor & Speaking Truth to Power
42:26 – One-State vs. Two-State & Lessons from Visiting Palestine
49:31 – Supporting his Campaign & Final Reflections
🌐 Explore more at: sumudpod.com
🎙 Follow our host: @dredhasan
🎙 Follow Mussab: @mussabaalijc, @aliforjc
📢 Check out Mussab's work:
Campaign Website: www.ali2025.com
Ali Leadership Institute: www.alileadership.com
#Palestine #SumudPod #MuslimVoices #YouthInPolitics #FreePalestine #EndTheOccupation #CeasefireNow #HumanRights
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