Hochul declares Muslim American Heritage Month, illuminating 16 state landmarks

New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statewide proclamation on Friday declaring January Muslim American Heritage Month and ordered 16 state landmarks, including New York’s One World Trade Center, to be lit in green on Friday night to “celebrate the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans.”

“As home to the largest Muslim American population in the country, New York is proud to participate in this month-long celebration recognizing the values, beliefs, and traditions of our Muslim American communities,” Hochul wrote in a post. expression. “New York is committed to being a beacon of hope, tolerance, and inclusivity that celebrates the diversity of the Muslim American population and protects them from Islamophobia, hatred, prejudice, and harm.”

One World Trade Center stands on the site of World Trade Center 6, which was heavily damaged by debris from the collapse of the North Tower in the September 11 attacks.

Although the people who carried out the September 11 attacks identified themselves as Muslims, they were members of Al Qaeda, a violent extremist group.

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The move comes just a day after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani took the oath of office on the Quran as the city’s first Muslim mayor.

“While we are proud to be sworn in as the first Muslim mayor of our city, [Thursday]”Muslims have been a part of New York for centuries,” Mamdani wrote in a statement. “We have started small businesses, raised our families, practiced every profession, enriched our culture and cuisine, and been a part of what has made our city what it is today. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for his leadership in recognizing these many contributions and ensuring that each January, Muslim New Yorkers can reflect and be recognized in a city and state that also call us home.”

Other Muslim politicians, including New York State Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Charles Fall, State Senator Robert Jackson, New York City Assemblywoman Shahana Hanif, and New York City Assemblyman Yusef Salaam, applauded the appointment, thanking Hochul for honoring the community and promoting inclusivity.

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor on a pair of family-owned Qurans on Thursday. (Amir Hamja/Pool via Reuters)

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Muhammad Razvi, CEO of the People’s Council Organization, said the Muslim community “demonstrated resilience in the years following 9/11, while continuing to strengthen New York through immigrant contributions, civic leadership and service.” This recognition confirms our place in the social, cultural and civic life of our state. “This moment reflects New York’s ongoing commitment to civil rights, religious freedom, unity and interfaith solidarity, and ensuring that people of all backgrounds are seen, valued and included.”

As anti-Muslim hate crimes increased after the 9/11 attacks, Jews were targeted more frequently in New York in 2024 than all other groups combined; Anti-Semitic incidents accounted for 54% of all hate crimes. Israel Times.

One World Trade Center will be one of 16 landmarks illuminated in honor of Muslim American Heritage Month. (Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)

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The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding reports that the Muslim community in New York City makes up 12.5 percent of pharmacists, 40 percent of taxi drivers and more than 57 percent of street food vendors.

Fox News Digital reached out to organizations supporting 9/11 victims, survivors and their families for comment.