"Ramadan Mubarak to Muslims across our city and the world as they begin a month-long journey of reflection and prayer.
"I know for many in the Muslim community, this is also a time of apprehension and fear as the future is uncertain, and the pain is present. We are all called, then, to solidarity in the spirit of peace, to combating hatred and Islamophobia, to human justice. Amid denigration from many sides and sources, we cannot allow the simple expression of identity to be villainized.
"Instead, we should take the periodic calls to prayer as calls to embrace our shared humanity, regardless of creed, and to practice zakat – giving what we have, doing what we can – in solidarity with suffering seen and unseen.
"May Ramadan lead to individual and community fulfillment, lasting peace, and growing solidarity of spirit. We pray in thanks to the Muslim community for all of its contributions to our city, and in hope for the advancement of generations to come."
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