Teachers Summer Ahmad, of Tottenville HS in Staten Island, Zeinab Ismail, of Port Richmond HS in Staten Island, Nisreen Ahmad of PS 97 in Brooklyn, and Sofie Palaj, also of Port Richmond HS, pose between banners reading “Ramadan Mubarak,” which means “Blessed Ramadan.”
The UFT Muslim Educators Committee celebrated its second annual Iftar dinner at UFT headquarters on March 7 to break the fast during Ramadan. About 75 members and guests ate dates and drank milk and water after the Maghrib prayer, followed by dinner. The gathering was more than just a meal, said committee Chair Abdelhafid Djemil, who teaches at Origins HS in Brooklyn. “It is a moment of reflection and solidarity and renewal of our commitment to serving both our students and our communities.” He said the Islamic holy month of Ramadan is “a time of unity, self-discipline and heightened consciousness of the struggles” facing Muslims. Teacher Fauzia Hanif, who is of Pakistani origin, attended with colleagues from Clara Barton HS in Brooklyn. Different countries celebrate Ramadan differently, she said, and events like the Iftar dinner and her school’s Muslim gala showcase that cultural diversity. She praised the decoration and the welcoming atmosphere at Shanker Hall. “You feel recognized,” she said. “I’m really appreciative and thankful that they did this.”
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