ASTORIA – New York State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris and Assembly Member Zohran K. Mamdani organized a food distribution program for the western Queens community in observance of Ramadan. Senator Gianaris and Assembly Member Mamdani visited the Al-Iman Mosque in Astoria on April 30 to distribute food to local residents in need of assistance.

“Keeping our neighbors in need fed during difficult times is a priority and I am pleased to partner with Assembly Member Mamdani to provide for this critical help,” said Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris. “We will continue working together to ensure our community has necessary resources as we combat the challenges caused by the pandemic.”

 “The beauty of Ramadan comes from the ethos of solidarity, the belief that we’re all in this fight together. Everyone, friend & stranger-alike, deserves dignity,” said Assembly Member Zohran K. Mamdani. “Being able to distribute meals so our neighbors can break their fast with iftar throughout this holy month is how we give meaning to the values we hold so dear — especially in the time of public health crisis.”

Senator Gianaris and Assembly Member Mamdani organized this food distribution with community partners including Shah Jalal Masjid, Masjid Al Iman, Astoria Islamic Center, Alamin Jame Masjid, the Astoria Welfare Society , the Astoria Food Pantry, Masjid Dar al-Dawa, Ibn Sina Center, and Masjid Al Ikhlas.

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Breaking the fast each night at a family gathering is a common Iftar custom. Some of New York’s neighborhoods hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic are home to large populations of Muslims, including in western Queens.