"Ramadan Mubarak! Tonight the sacred month of Ramadan begins for people practicing Islam across our city, nation, and globe. May it be a meaningful month of reflection, prayer, and spiritual fulfillment.
"This year Ramadan is being observed in New York while the city is led by its first Muslim mayor in history – I know how meaningful this moment is for many. I pray that this is a time for celebration and solidarity; a time to embrace our shared humanity, to cherish our gorgeous mosaic, to reject Islamophobia and hatred, to embrace our shared humanity.
"The periodic calls to prayer are calls to pursue justice and practice the principle of zakat – doing all we can, with all we have, to aid those in need. May we prioritize this spirit in our policies and in our lives, and extend blessings throughout these weeks of fasting and far beyond."