Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso celebrated the first night of Ramadan by lighting two crescents at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
The crescents were lit in collaboration with the Eid Committee, Emgage, and Muslim Community Network. The event marked the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan and marked the first time a crescent lighting has ever taken place at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
“Ramadan is a sacred holiday for Muslims across the world, and I am so proud to celebrate with Brooklyn’s diverse Muslim community at the People’s House, Brooklyn Borough Hall,” Reynoso said in a statement. “From the Arab community on Atlantic Avenue to the South Asian community on Coney Island Avenue, our borough has long been shaped and strengthened by our Muslim neighbors."
Ramadan is observed by Muslims around the world and reflects the global and diverse nature of Islam, the world’s second-largest faith. The Muslim community in New York City is nearly 800,000 people strong, according to Muslims for American Progress. Some will wake up before sunrise to eat a small meal, called suhoor, before the fast begins. Each day's fast is broken with a festive meal, called iftar. Traditionally, a date is eaten to break the fast.
“Lighting the crescent at Brooklyn Borough Hall is a deeply meaningful moment for Muslim New Yorkers. It represents visibility, belonging and the recognition of the Muslim community’s faith and traditions,” said Emgage State Director Heba Khalil. “As Ramadan begins, we hope this moment marks the start of a lasting tradition, one where year after year we gather here to welcome this sacred month together in one of Brooklyn’s most iconic public landmarks.”
