NEWYORK: New York Police Department’s community affairs bureau organized a ceremony on the occasion of World Hijab Day with support of Immigrant Outreach Unit and various community based organizations.
The event was held at Ozone Park in the Mayona Center of New York in Queens, and was attended by social leaders from different schools of thoughts, community representatives, women, youth, and law enforcement officials.
The aim of the event was to highlight the cultural, religious, and social importance of the hijab and to promote harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect between different communities.
During the program, women’s rights, religious freedom, and respect for identity were discussed, while the social challenges faced by women wearing the hijab and their solutions were also highlighted.
New York Police Department’s inspector Adeel Rana said that this is the fourth program which was organized by the New York Police Department with the community on the occasion of Hijab Day, which aims to highlight the importance of the hijab in our religion and culture.
Council of Peoples Organization’s head Mohammad Rizvi expressed his views on World Hijab Day and said that such programs are also necessary so that people in our community can dispel the misconception that they cannot work with a hijab in New York.
Queens South Commander Officer Chief McIntosh and other New York Police officers participating in the ceremony said that this day provides an opportunity for women from all religions and cultures to understand the meaning of the hijab, which is a symbol of honor, choice, dignity and respect.
He said that National Hijab Day promotes empathy, mutual respect and the elimination of misunderstandings, while the New York Police is committed to the rights, freedom and protection of every New Yorker, including the Muslim community.
The event was attended by several prominent community organizations, including Mona Social Services, World Hijab Day Organization, Muslim Officers Society, Arab American Law Enforcement Association, Raja Community Center, Arwa Community Development Center, Council of People’s Organizations, Mumtaz Hijab, People in Need, and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement.
Participants expressed their commitment to further strengthen community service, volunteerism, and interfaith and intercultural cooperation.
Later, the organizers thanked all the volunteers, partner organizations, and supporting organizations as their cooperation made the event a success.
The event received a very positive response from the participants and was described as a successful example of community engagement and religious harmony in New York.
