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A short while ago I attended the funeral for fallen NYPD hero Didarul Islam, who during the ceremony was posthumously promoted to Detective First Grade. The funeral was moving and powerful and heartbreaking. There was much in it that will challenge people’s assumptions. This is the second time a Muslim NYPD officer has been killed in the line of duty. Today’s funeral was held in the Parkchester Jame Mosque in the Bronx. There are now well over 1,000 Muslim officers in the NYPD. Many of whom, like Det. Islam, are Bangladeshi American. This is just one of the many ways Muslim NYers are making an incredibly positive contribution to our city. The Imam of the mosque, Dr. Zakir Ahmed, delivered passionate remarks that were unsparing in pointing out the Islamophobia that Muslim police officers too often face despite their service to the city. The Imam’s message also included an impassioned plea for humanitarian relief in Gaza. From Imam Ahmed’s remarks: “We cannot honor Officer Islam today while ignoring the daily pain endured by his community—being told to go back where you came from, being watched more closely, judged more harshly and loved less fully.” Dept. Insp. Muhammad Ashraf, the commanding officer of the 47th Precinct, where Det. Islam served, also spoke. He made it clear that Det. had been poised to rise far in the department. Outside the mosque thousands of officers and other mourners stood silently to honor Det. Islam, even when it started to rain heavily. The tragic loss of Det. Islam, and the heartbreaking service honoring his life, highlight some essential truths about NYC today. The Muslim community here is large and diverse and growing, and stepping up to serve no less than any other group in our city’s history. This despite persistent prejudice in the broader society. And the NYPD itself is more diverse than ever, increasingly in the senior ranks as well. This has unquestionably made the department stronger, and has helped build connections to the diverse communities of the city. The loss of Det. Didarul Islam is an unmitigated tragedy. But his life, and that of his community, is an inspiration.