 
Senate Resolution No. 2499
 
BY: Senator PERSAUD
 
        RECOGNIZING February 1, 2020, as World Hijab Day
 
  WHEREAS,  The people of the United States and the great State of New
York who come from a  variety  of  backgrounds  are  united  in  certain
foundational  beliefs  such  as  affirming  the  inherent dignity of all
persons; the right of every person to be treated with respect,  and  the
right of all citizens to practice their religion freely; and
 
  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is  proud  to  recognize
Saturday,  February  1, 2020, as World Hijab Day to be celebrated on the
steps of City Hall in New York, New York; and
 
  WHEREAS, The Hijab, a traditional veil which covers a  woman's  hair
and  chest, has been very important to the history of Islam; it is meant
to promote dignity and respect for women while maintaining  modesty  and
respect for religious faith; and
 
  WHEREAS,  World  Hijab  Day was started by Nezma Khan, a resident of
the Bronx, as a day set aside for women of different  cultures,  who  do
not  normally wear the Hijab, to experience wearing one for the day; its
purpose is to encourage religious tolerance, cultural understanding  and
international solidarity; and
 
  WHEREAS,  On February 1, 2013, the world celebrated its first annual
World Hijab Day in recognition of millions of Muslim women who choose to
wear the Hijab and live a life of religious faith; and
 
  WHEREAS, Since its inception, World Hijab Day has participants  from
all over the world; and
 
  WHEREAS,  To  combat  prejudice,  leaders  in  the  American  Muslim
community are working tirelessly to show that the wearing of  the  Hijab
is  a  choice,  a  freedom,  and a blessing, as well as to educate their
fellow citizens about Islam in ways which are relevant  and  meaningful;
and
 
  WHEREAS,  One  of America's greatest strengths as a society has been
our ability to embrace our different faiths and allow their  members  to
express  themselves  freely;  in this spirit, World Hijab Day encourages
the wearing of the Hijab as a  proud  display  of  religious  faith  and
communal  bonding  which  will  make  us  stronger  as a nation and more
accepting of others; and
 
  WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative  Body  to  honor  those
important events which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage of our
great State and Nation while encouraging greater religious tolerance and
understanding in our communities; now, therefore, be it
 
  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize Saturday, February 1, 2020, as World  Hijab  Day;  and  be  it
further
 
  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nezma Khan, Founder, World Hijab Day.
Recognizing February 1, 2020, as World Hijab Day

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