(PresidentialWire.Com)- While New York is facing one of the greatest health emergencies in American history, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio is spending money on nearly half a million free halal meals to Muslim worshippers during Ramadan.
Is that the best way to spend state money right now?
De Blasio announced that NYC will distribute 400,000 halal meals to 32 Department of Education sites throughout the city where there are greater Muslim populations. The decision was announced by the mayor on Thursday in a press briefing, in which he also described how a further 100,000 meals will be distributed through soup kitchens and food pantries.
Halal simply means “permissible,” but also refers to a way in which animals are slaughtered according to Muslim tradition. Unlike the Western practice of stunning an animal before slaughtering it away from other live animals, the halal practice involves slitting a conscious animal’s throat and leaving it to die.
“One of Ramadan’s most noble callings is to feed the hungry,” de Blasio said. “And it’s a crucial part of how the holiday is celebrated, to remember to be there for those in need. And that is now harder than ever.”
Ramadan is the time of year when Muslims fast during daylight hours and only eat after sunset.
“Obviously, people can’t go to their mosques,” de Blasio added. “In fact, mosques have often been a place that those who were hungry, those who were poor, would know they could go during Ramadan to break the fast.”
While de Blasio is making special arrangements for Muslims during Ramadan, Christians across the country are still angry about being banned from outdoor and drive-thru Easter services.
As Muslim New Yorkers prepare to start the holy month of Ramadan tonight, Mayor Bill de Blasio says the city is taking steps to support the Muslim community with Halal food programs.
“Over half a million meals will be distributed during Ramadan” for Muslim New Yorkers in need pic.twitter.com/d4PbFtGMa5
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 23, 2020
Ramadan ends on May 23, and de Blasio committed to “supporting all communities.”
“We want to respect all the people, all the faiths of New York City,” he added. “This is part of what makes New York City so great – that we have that mutual respect.”
