Thousands of Muslims hailing from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, gathered at Lincoln Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, April 10, 2024, to observe Eid ul-Fitr, marking the culmination of the 30-day Ramadan fasting period.
The inaugural prayers were led by Shaiq Aala of the Al Tawheed Islamic Center on West Side Avenue in Jersey City.
Notable figures from the community, including former New Jersey Governor and current Jersey City Mayoral Candidate James Edward McGreevey, attended the event and extended greetings to the Muslim community.
The gathering in Lincoln Park underscored the significance of Eid al-Fitr as a time of spiritual renewal, communal prayer, and collective celebration, a press release on the event said. “It served as a poignant representation of the vibrant Islamic culture thriving within Hudson County,” organizers said.
Eid al-Fitr, translated as “the celebration of breaking the fast,” holds profound importance for Muslims worldwide, symbolizing gratitude and reflection after a month of daily fasting from dawn till sunset.
Beyond its religious significance, the celebration also serves as a reminder of the plight of the less fortunate, fostering empathy and compassion within the community.
Other local officials present at the event included, among others, Jersey City Councilman Yousef J. Saleh, City Council President Joyce Watterman.
A native of the Jersey Heights, Councilman Saleh’s participation underscored his deep-seated ties to the community and highlighted his Palestinian heritage, further emphasizing the unity and strength inherent within Hudson County’s Muslim community, organizers said. They described the gathering also as “a public demonstration of solidarity and resilience, showcasing the unwavering commitment to different communities within Jersey City.”
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