Senator Cooney, Leaders of Rochester's Muslim Community, Host Community Iftar During Ramadan

(ROCHESTER, NY) - Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester), the Turkish Cultural Center of Rochester, Masjid Tawfeeq of Rochester, and members of Rochester’s Muslim community celebrated Ramadan together with a free community iftar dinner hosted by Senator Cooney and the partner organizations at Cobb’s Hill Park on Friday March, 15th. 

“The iftar was an opportunity to join together with members of our community during Ramadan, but also to educate the rest of the community on the significance of Ramadan to our Muslim neighbors,” said Senator Cooney. “With growing Islamophobia across the world, it was an honor to join our local Muslim community to show my support during this special time of reflection and spiritual healing. For all who celebrate, Ramadan Mubarak!”

Murat Al, President of the Turkish Cultural Center of Rochester said, "We are grateful for sharing our Ramadan Iftar Dinner with friends in Rochester. Ramadan is indeed a special time for self-reflection, gratitude, and strengthening bonds with others. It is like a full month-long self rehabilitation in which we improve spiritually as we fast, realize blessings around us and increase our gratitude to Allah. We hope this gathering will help build good relations within the community that will strengthen peace and mutual understanding in every aspect. Thank you Senator Cooney for facilitating this gathering and joining us.”

Ramadan is a holy month in Islam that occurs each year during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and takes place each day between sunrise and sunset. Fasts are broken after sunset with iftar dinners between family and friends. Ramadan is seen as a time for spiritual reflection with special attention to reading the Quran.

Senator Cooney organized the iftar alongside the Turkish Cultural Center of Rochester and Masjid Tawfeeq of Rochester. MVP Healthcare sponsored the event.

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