NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

OFFICE OF ASSEMBLYMEMBER ARAVELLA SIMOTAS

For Immediate Release
July 17, 2014
Contact: Robert Hart, 718-545-3889

Simotas, Gianaris, Constantinides Celebrate
Ramadan
Elected Officials Recognize Contributions
Of The Muslim Community In Western Queens

NEW YORK, N.Y. To commemorate the holy month of Ramadan, State Senator
Michael Gianaris, Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, and Council Member Costa
Constantinides attended Iftar at the Muslim American Societys community center in
Astoria last Tuesday.

During the month of Ramadan, observant Muslims fast during daylight hours. Friends
and families gather together for Iftar, the evening meal when the fast is broken. This
years dinner drew over forty guests.

I am always pleased to join my colleagues and friends to celebrate Ramadan at the
Muslim American Society, said Simotas. The opportunity to speak with members of the
Queens Muslim community allows me to honor the contributions Muslim Americans
have made to our city and our community, and enables me to better serve the people of
Astoria.

"I take special pride in participating in the annual Iftar Ramadan Dinner in Astoria. Along
with Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas and Councilman Costa Constantinides, I believe
that the diversity of our neighborhood is something to be celebrated, and this event is a
great example of what our community has to offer, said Senator Gianaris. I thank the
Queens Muslim community for allowing me to be a part of this special night and I look
forward to continuing our work together on behalf of our community."

Council Member Costa Constantinides said, "I was honored to be a part of the Muslim
American Society's Iftar Ramadan dinner. The Islamic community of New York is an
integral part of Astoria and I was proud to honor the diversity of our community during
the most sacred month of the Muslim calendar. I thank MAS for inviting me to attend the
dinner along with my colleagues in government."

Founded in 1993, the Muslim American Society is a non-profit organization with more
than fifty chapters in the United States. In addition to the Iftar, the MAS community
center in Astoria offers programs on education, community service and youth
development.


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