Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a time when Muslims not only fast during daylight hours, but also commit themselves further to works of charity. And generous hospitality, long a standard among Arabs and Muslims alike, is at the forefront. Last Thursday evening, on the night before the 8th anniversary of 9/11, Zein Rimawi and the Arab American Federation hosted a break-the-fast, known as an Iftar, to honor and thank the wider community at the Muslim Youth Center on Bath Avenue.
After those observing the daylong fast had concluded it with dates and water, prayers and then a tasteful buffet of Middle Eastern favorites, Wael Mousfar, president of the Arab Muslim American Federation, offered remarks. The keynote speaker, Ambassador Nasser Abdul Aziz Al-Nasr, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, condemned extremism on what he says are both the Muslim and American ends. He emphasized the need for solidarity especially as the world marks the 8th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
Among the evening’s honorees were the Hon. Robert Jackson, NYC Councilmember; Professor Mustapha Tlili, director of the Center for Dialogues: Islamic World-US/the West at New York University, and Daniel L. Meyers, president of the National Lawyers Guild, which is considered the oldest and largest public interest and human rights bar association in the U.S. Councilmember Jackson and several of his colleagues later at the podium all spoke of the success and hard work involved in passing the measure to add two major Muslim holidays into the New York City Schools calendar. They pointed out, however, that Mayor Bloomberg has not yet signed this bill into law.
Jackson thanked his colleagues and the many friends in the wider community who helped get the bill passed in Council, but said their work is not yet finished. Many of Bay Ridge’s political officers were present including Assemblywoman Janele Hyer-Spencer, Congressman Michael McMahon, Councilman Vincent Gentile, and State Senator Marty Golden. Also attending were A.A.A.N.Y. president Dr. Ahmed Jaber, and Vice-president Habib Joudeh, as well as John Abi-Habib, board member representing the Salaam Club.
Guests within Brooklyn’s religious community included the Rev. Donald A. Stiger, senior vice president for mission and spiritual care at Lutheran Medical Center (Sunset Park); Rev. Terrence Mulkerin, director of Pontifical Mission Societies for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, and a participant in interfaith dialogue programs; Rev. Khader Khalilia, representing Salaam Arabic Lutheran Church in Bay Ridge; and Marcia Kannry of The Dialogue Project, which brings together members of the Arab, Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities in Brooklyn for programs that foster mindful and respectful listening to each other’s needs. Towards the end of the program, Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss, representing an organization called Jews United Against Zionism, came to the podium and offered a prayer for peace. Members of his delegation were also present at the Iftar. His voice filled with emotion, Rabbi Weiss said that the 9/11 tragedy was an example of “misconstrued righteousness in people causing hurt.” He said also that co-existing of humanity is “a symbol of what could be and should be.”