BP Reynoso Hosts Celebratory Iftar Dinner at Borough Hall

About 200 muslims participated in prayer, breaking of fast

April 21, 2022 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

Notable Muslim Brooklynites pose with their citations at Borough Hall. Borough President Antonio Reynoso is third from right. Photo courtesy of BP Reynoso’s Office

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Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso on Tuesday hosted a celebratory Ramadan Iftar dinner with the Brooklyn Muslim community.

Partnering with the Pakistani American Youth Society and other community-based organizations, the evening consisted of approximately 200 Muslims joining in the Maghreb prayer, followed by the breaking of the fast together.

Brooklyn has several Muslim American communities. Bay Ridge is home to one of the largest Arab American communities in New York City, boasting several mosques as well as the Salam Arabic Lutheran Church and the Arab American Association of New York.

Another, older, Arab American community exists in Cobble Hill, home to several Arabic restaurants, the Arab-American Family Support Center and the famed Sahadi’s Middle Eastern grocery store. And the area around Coney Island Avenue in Midwood has been known as “Little Pakistan” since the 1990s.

Members of the Brooklyn Muslim community participate in prayer at Borough Hall. Photo courtesy of BP Reynoso’s Office

“As one of the most diverse places on Earth, home to the greatest number of mosques including one of the oldest in the United States, it was a pleasure and honor to host our Muslim brothers and sisters during this Ramadan celebration,” said Reynoso. “We look forward to more gatherings, celebrating our diversity, faiths, and cultures with one another.”

During the event, the Brooklyn Borough President also awarded citations to members of the Muslim community that continue to lift Brooklyn up and create enriching spiritual and healthy environments for all.

Executive Director of Janazah Community Services Umair Ahmed, Executive Director of Muslim Community Center Soniya Ali, mental health counselor Abir Saleh, and NYPD Inspector Amir Yakatally were each recognized with a citation. The Al-Sabiqoon Sisters Halaqa, a women-led youth organization for young girls, was recognized with a proclamation for their services to the community.

The Ramadan celebration at Borough Hall is one of many planned free events intended for the public. Borough Hall was closed during the past few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Reynoso intends to reopen it for the borough’s citizens.