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Brooklyn, NY — 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,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “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. Thank you to the Eid Committee, Emgage, and Muslim Community Network for helping to organize this wonderful crescent lighting ceremony. To all our Muslim neighbors: Ramadan Mubarak!”
Ramadan is observed by Muslims around the world and reflects the global and diverse nature of Islam, the world’s second-largest faith. Brooklyn’s extraordinary diversity allows residents to experience Ramadan through many cultures and traditions. Community members of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate with curiosity and openness—by engaging with neighbors, visiting mosques, and attending cultural celebrations throughout the month.
“I’m proud of the borough I call home, Brooklyn for yet again being a trendsetter among the boroughs with the first crescent lighting to mark the blessed month of Ramadan,” said CEO Bridging Cultures Group Dr. Debbie Almontaser. “Many thanks to Borough President Antonio Reynoso and the Eid Committee for partnering with me, Emgage, and the Muslim Community Network to make this a reality for our children and generations to come.”
“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.”
“The Eid Committee is honored to facilitate the first Welcome Ramadan Crescent Lighting at Brooklyn Borough Hall and to contribute the crescent display marking the start of Ramadan,” said Eid Committee founder Khaja Khateeb. “Traditions like these begin when leaders choose to create space for visibility and belonging. We are grateful to Brooklyn’s leadership for making this meaningful moment possible.”
