In an insensitive, if not outright brazen display of disrespect for the firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11, Muslims placed their prayer mats right in front of a plaque at the Fire Department of New York’s headquarters that memorializes the 343 dead. For context, FDNY Islamic Society hosted an iftar last week – a breaking of the Ramadan fast with an evening meal. Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore and Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended, along with an estimated 125 employees and guests.
According to Edelman, this event has taken place for years, using the FDNY auditorium at the Metrotech Plaza as a venue. However, Edelman said, this appears to have been the first time prayer rugs were put in the lobby next to the plaque. Another plaque is out of the shot, listing the 409 firefighters who died of various illnesses as a result of their heroism that day.
New York Republican Councilwoman Joann Ariola reportedly had over 20 complaints come to her office from 9/11 first responders and relatives upon learning about the event. One current firefighter said, “As someone who respects the sacrifices made by all FDNY members, I believe the Muslim group involved, along with city leadership (including the Mayor), showed a real lack of sensitivity.”
The firefighter added that “the auditorium, already in use as a dining hall, could easily have served a dual purpose for any ritual or gathering — keeping the memorial lobby untouched and focused on its solemn role.”
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