By: Farooq Mirza
A large Ramadan iftar dinner brought together hundreds of Pakistani-American Muslim community along with local officials in Nassau County.
The event was attended by Nassau County Chief Executive Bruce Blakeman, community leaders including Chaudhary Akram, O. Naqvi, and Human Rights Commission Chair Bobby Kumar, along with other county officials and community representatives.
The gathering began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Molana Taswer Gillani and Naat Sharif by Attique Qadri , followed by prayers for unity within the Muslim community, international peace, and the blessings of Ramadan.
Hundreds of participants from the Pakistani-American community, particularly came from Long Island, Brooklyn and New Jersey attended the event. Several prominent community organizations and leaders , Tauqeer Ul Haq , Farooq Mirza , Bashir Qamar , Film Producer Sulman Butt , Hamyyun Qureshi , Hamyyun Shabbir , Imran Igra and Shahid Ranjha also participated, highlighting the strong presence and unity of the community in the region.
Officials, local law enforcement representatives, police officers, and social workers were also present. During the ceremony, community members and organizations that have contributed to community service were honored with certificates and commendations presented by County leadership.
The Iftar celebration also featured participation from a major community organization, Power, whose Chief Executive Taira Din and her husband Nawab Din and Own and Own Naqvi played a key role in the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Taira Din said her goal is to bring the community, especially women, together on a common platform to promote a positive image and narrative of Pakistan. She added that she is working closely with Pakistani women who want to participate in business, public service, and community leadership.
She emphasized that Pakistani women take pride in their cultural values, traditions, and national identity while promoting Pakistan’s heritage abroad.
Taira Din also thanked Nassau County leadership, particularly Bruce Blakeman, Chaudhary Akram, and O. Naqvi, for providing a platform that strengthens community engagement and unity. She added that initiatives like these help build lasting traditions within the community and strengthen cultural connections.
The event concluded with the Iftar Dinner served in a traditional style, marking one of the largest Ramadan gatherings for the Pakistani-American community in the region.
Nassau County Chief
Executive Bruce Blackman made a great remarks about the blessings of Ramadan and said
“Good evening and Ramadan Mubarak to viewers around the world”
He said that Nassau County, local leaders gathered for a special Ramadan unity event, highlighting religious freedom, community harmony, and support for Muslim families.
Bruce said that the County officials and community leaders attended the program, including Shariar Ali, Tom McKevitt, Deputy Presiding Officer, Rose Walker, Chair of the Health Committee, and Jen DeSena, Supervisor from North Hempstead. Also present were County Comptroller Elaine Coates, Human Rights Commission Chair Bobby Kumar, Senior Advisor Manny Akram, and Executive Director O. Nagvi.
He thanked the county’s Minority Affairs and Asian American Affairs offices for their efforts in strengthening community relations.
He emphasized that Nassau County is home to people of every race, religion, and background, and that unity and respect remain central values of the community.
The event also marked the fourth consecutive year the county has organized a special Ramadan gathering and distributed symbolic gift cards, representing the county’s commitment to religious freedom and equal resources for all communities.
Bruce described Ramadan as a time of reflection, spirituality, compassion, and generosity, encouraging residents to support one another and strengthen community bonds.
Addressing the audience, officials welcomed attendees on behalf of more than 1.5 million residents of Nassau County, expressing hopes for safety, prosperity, and unity for families across the region.
On of the County Worn official during her remarks highlighted the sense of unity in Nassau County, emphasizing that the county is a place where people of all races, religions, and ethnic backgrounds live together in peace and harmony.
She said that residents do not question their neighbors’ beliefs but instead respect and celebrate them, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the community.
She said “Muslim community for their contributions, with the speaker noting that their presence and culture help make Nassau County a rich and vibrant place to live.”
Another County official talked on the importance of faith, gratitude, and helping those in need.
He described the season as a time for reflection, prayer, and generosity, encouraging people to remember neighbors who may be less fortunate. Drawing a parallel with the Christian observance of Lent, the remarks noted that both traditions emphasize fasting, charity, and spiritual reflection.
During the address, appreciation was expressed for the freedoms enjoyed in the United States, where people of all faiths can practice their religion openly and live together in peace. The speaker also referenced remarks made earlier by Lee Phillips, acknowledging the shared sense of gratitude among community leaders.
His message highlighted the responsibility of parents and community leaders to pass faith and values on to the next generation, especially in an era where many young people are influenced by social media platforms like TikTok.
His remarks concluded with a call for stronger faith, gratitude, and generosity within the community, ending with a message of peace and blessings for families and the nation.
The speaker closed the address by wishing everyone “Ramadan Mubarak”and praying for continued unity and prosperity for the country.
At the fourth annual Ramadan iftar gathering, a community speaker welcomed local leaders, elected officials, and members of the public, thanking them for attending the special evening.
Ch Akram Nassau County Executive expressed gratitude to the county leadership, particularly County Executive Bruce Blakeman, for supporting the initiative that brought the community together for the annual event.
Addressing the audience, the he described the gathering as an important moment for the Muslim community, noting that Ramadan is a sacred time when families and neighbors come together to share iftar meals and strengthen their spiritual connections.
He thanked to county officials, community leaders, and religious scholars for their presence, Own Naqvi Director Community Affairs concluded with a message of solidarity, emphasizing that gatherings like the iftar dinner demonstrate how communities can come together in respect and harmony.
Mr. Naqvi acknowledged fellow legislator Rose Walker, noting her active role in community engagement and her busy schedule representing residents across the county.
During the remarks, special recognition was given to the Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs, an office established about eight years ago to strengthen outreach and support for diverse communities in Nassau County. Own Naqvi explained that the office was created to reflect the county’s growing diversity and has since become highly active in organizing cultural and community programs throughout the year.
He emphasized that Nassau County takes pride in being a place where people from many cultures and backgrounds can live together peacefully. Officials also highlighted the importance of ensuring that residents can practice their faith freely and safely, noting that resources and security measures are in place so that communities can worship without fear.
Ch Akram concluded by thanking everyone for attending and wishing the Muslim community an easy fast and a peaceful Ramadan.
