Islamophobia has reached new heights, and Muslims face near daily discrimination on planes, beaches and even make not-so-rosy appearances in presidential speeches . But New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio alongside NYC Commission on Human Rights have launched a powerful campaign to fight against the hate.

The campaign aims to empower the city's Muslim community and remind people of anti-discriminatory laws.

In New York, it is illegal to harass or discriminate against another based on religion.

The campaign sheds light on the issue with five banner ads featuring Muslim New Yorkers as well as an extensive social media campaign under the hashtag #IAmMuslimNYC.

IamMuslim_banner

"These bold new ads affirm every Muslim New Yorker's right to live safely and free from discrimination," said Carmelyn P. Malalis, chair and commissioner of the NYC Commission on Human Rights.

"They also show that Muslims are hardworking New Yorkers just like you and me. They are our police, our teachers, our small business owners and our neighbors and they deserve the same respect as everyone else."

It's a simple affirmation of their existence.

Many are applauding it

In a more sane world, there would be no need for an anti-Islamophobia campaign

Exhibit A.

NYC is about diversity