Hochul declares Muslim American Heritage Month, illuminating 16 state landmarks

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday issued a proclamation declaring January Muslim American Heritage Month throughout the state and directed 16 state landmarks, together with NYC’s One World Commerce Heart, to be illuminated inexperienced Friday evening in “celebration of the heritage and tradition of Muslim People.”

“Residence to the biggest Muslim American inhabitants within the nation, New York is proud to hitch on this month-long celebration, recognizing the values, religion and traditions of our Muslim American communities,” Hochul mentioned in a assertion. 

“New York stays dedicated to being a beacon of hope, tolerance, and inclusivity that celebrates the variety of its Muslim American inhabitants and protects them from Islamophobia, hate, bias, and hurt.”

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One World Commerce Heart stands on the location of 6 World Commerce Heart, which was closely broken by particles throughout the collapse of the North Tower within the 9/11 assaults.

The terrorists who carried out the 9/11 assaults had been Muslim and members of al Qaeda, a violent militant group.

The transfer got here simply in the future after New York Metropolis Mayor Zohran Mamdani was sworn in with the Quran as the primary Muslim mayor of town.

“Whereas I used to be proud to be sworn in as our metropolis’s first Muslim mayor [Thursday], Muslims have been a part of New York for hundreds of years,” Mamdani mentioned in a press release. “We have now constructed small companies, raised our households, pursued each occupation, enriched our tradition and delicacies, and been part of what makes our metropolis what it’s immediately. 

“I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s management in recognizing these many contributions and making certain that each January, Muslim New Yorkers can see ourselves mirrored and acknowledged in a metropolis and state that can be our residence.”

Different Muslim politicians, together with New York State Meeting Deputy Majority Chief Charles Fall, state Sen. Robert Jackson, New York Metropolis Councilmember Shahana Hanif and New York Metropolis Councilmember Yusef Salaam applauded the designation, thanking Hochul for honoring the group and selling inclusivity.

Zohran Mamdani is sworn in as mayor on a pair of household Qurans Thursday.  (Amir Hamja/Pool through Reuters)

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Council of Peoples Group CEO Mohammad Razvi famous the Muslim group has “demonstrated resilience within the years following 9/11 whereas persevering with to strengthen New York via immigrant contributions, civic management and repair. This recognition affirms our place within the social, cultural and civic lifetime of our state. … This second displays New York’s continued dedication to civil rights, spiritual freedom, unity and interfaith solidarity and to making sure that individuals of all backgrounds are seen, valued and included.”

Whereas anti-Muslim hate crime elevated after the 9/11 assaults, Jews had been focused extra often than all different teams mixed in New York Metropolis in 2024, with anti-Jewish incidents accounting for 54% of all hate crimes, based on a report from The Occasions of Israel.

One World Commerce Heart will likely be considered one of 16 landmarks illuminated in honor of Muslim American Heritage Month. (Gary Hershorn/Getty Photos)

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The Institute for Social Coverage and Understanding reported the Muslim group in New York Metropolis makes up 12.5% of pharmacists, 40% of taxi drivers and greater than 57% of road meals distributors. 

Fox Information Digital has reached out to organizations supporting 9/11 victims, survivors and their households for remark.