Milestone Achievement: CUNY Recognizes Eid Holidays & Addressing Our Advocacy Efforts

Assalamualikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
Today is 14 February, 2024 / 4 Sha'baan, 1445

Dear Members,

I hope this message finds you in the best of health and spirits.

A Milestone to Celebrate:
Today, we share news that warms the heart and reaffirms our collective efforts towards a more inclusive community. The City University of New York (CUNY) Board of Trustees has officially announced the inclusion of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr as recognized holidays in the academic calendar, beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year.

This decision marks a significant milestone in our journey towards fostering an environment that not only respects but also celebrates the diversity of its members. For years, many within our community have had to choose between academic responsibilities and religious observances. With this change, our students, faculty, and staff can now fully participate in these meaningful days without the added concern of missing important academic work.

The inclusion of these holidays is a testament to the dedicated advocacy and unwavering commitment of our student leaders and the understanding and support of the CUNY administration. It is a clear message that the voices of the Muslim community are heard and valued.

Our Advocacy in Action:
In light of recent developments, our commitment to advocacy and dialogue has never been more critical. The Islamic Leadership Council of New York (Majlis Ash-Shura) and CAIR-NY have jointly expressed concern over George Latimer's recent refusal to clarify that not all Muslims are associated with Hamas, underscoring the importance of our ongoing efforts to ensure our community's voice is heard and respected. Read our full statement here.

This juxtaposition of achievements and challenges serves as a reminder of the importance of our collective efforts. It highlights the power of our voice and the impact of our advocacy, demonstrating that while we celebrate our successes, we remain vigilant in addressing issues that affect our community.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone involved in these advocacy efforts and those who contribute every day to fostering an environment of understanding and respect. Your dedication and hard work continue to pave the way for significant progress and meaningful change.

With warm regards and congratulations on our collective achievements,

Abdelhafid Djemil, PhD
President
Majlis Ash-Shura of NY
Islamic Leadership Council of NY