NEWYORK: APNA community center organized Brighton family day and Eid Milan in which a large number of men, women, children and the elderly persons participated.
The Pakistani community and other communities, including political and social figures, also participated in the Eid Milan.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, and the Pakistani and American national anthems were also sung.
Children enjoyed themselves and played games at Brighton family day and Eid Milan, while women also applied henna on the stalls. Toys were also distributed among the children by Shorefront Toys for Tots.
APNA community center’s Chief Executive Officer Iram Hanif moderated the event and said that it has been 8 years since the establishment of the community center.
She said that we are working with a small team. We provide legal assistance against domestic violence, guidance for finding jobs, and voter registration, among other services.
Earlier, Iram Hanif encouraged the participants to participate in local government elections. She said that elections are being held in New York City on June 24 asked the Pakistani American community to register themselves as a voter and participate in the elections.
A large number of Pakistani community members participated in Eid celebration. Addressing participants, APNA Chairman Parvez Siddiqui said that celebrating Eid is our old tradition.
He said that it is actually an opportunity for the community to spend quality time with each other. APNA community center executive director Shazia Wattoo appreciated the efforts of Irum Hanif and her team and said that we always try to do something for our community.
A Republican member of the New York State Assembly Alec Brook, who participated in Brighton family day, said that the Pakistani community has established excellent and unparalleled attitudes in American society.
He said that he went to Pakistan and the people there are very hospitable and open-hearted.
New York City Public Advocate Jummane Williams said that there should be a ceasefire on the Gaza issue and each other’s prisoners should be released. A Philippine singer performed in her traditional style and received a warm welcome from the audience.
Everyone seemed very happy at Brighton Family Day. Not only the youth but also the adults danced to the various songs.
On this occasion, former city council member Ari Kagan said that he had seen the APNA community center helping not only Pakistanis but also other communities.
Addressing participants, Civil Judge Brian Gottlieb said that the APNA community center helps people regardless of color, race, or religion.
Renowned journalist and analyst Aftab Iqbal also attended the ceremony and was presented with a bouquet by APNA. He appreciated the performance of APNA community center and said that if he will come to US next time, he will do voluntary services with them one day.
Various US officials and representatives of Islamic Relief USA also spoke and said that we get scenes of celebrating each other’s religious festivals and cultures together only in America.
Certificates of appreciation were distributed to the APNA community team, while the guests were honored with awards.
Later, at Brighton family day and Eid Millan, singer Malaika Faisal not only entertained the participants with her songs but also made them to dance due to her melodious voice. At Brighton family day and Eid-Milan, prizes and gifts were also distributed to the participants through a draw by Shazia pharmacy.
