Press Release

For Immediate Release
September 3, 2010

Washington, D.C. — On Thursday, September 2, Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Bangladesh, participated in a Ramadan celebration with the Bangladeshi American National Democratic Society (“Bangladeshi Society”). Crowley joined Assemblyman Peter M. Rivera and members of the Bangladeshi Society in breaking fast during the group’s Iftar dinner.
 
“The holy month of Ramadan is a time of reflection, spirituality and rejoicing for Muslims around the world,” said Congressman Crowley. “This is a festive period, but also one of genuine devotion. The spirit of Ramadan serves as a reminder to all Americans of our shared values of tolerance, dignity and peace.”

“The essence of Ramadan transcends religion: The precepts of reflection, purifying, sacrifice, and self-reformation are all actions that we can incorporate in our personal lives to become better acquainted with ourselves and our higher power,” said Assemblyman Rivera.

Each Ramadan, celebrated during the ninth month of the lunar calendar, Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset for 29 or 30 days. Fasting is a tradition of many religious faiths and is meant to increase spirituality, discipline and humility. Ramadan is also a time to recognize commitment to community and reaching out to those less fortunate.

New York’s 7th Congressional District is home to a vibrant Bangladeshi community.

“It is an honor to join the Bangladeshi Society in this evening’s Ramadan celebration and I wish Muslims in New York and around the world Ramadan Mubarak,” said Crowley.
 
Congressman Crowley is the six-term representative from the 7th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. In addition to being the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Bangladesh, Crowley is also a member of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs. He also sits on the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

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