New York governor orders Twin Towers alternative lit inexperienced to commemorate Muslim American Heritage Month
New York Governor Kathy Hochul courted controversy by ordering the World Trade Center lit green to commemorate Muslim American Heritage Month.
The Democrat, 67, had 16 landmarks, including the One Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower lit up across the Empire State in green lights to celebrate.
‘The resilience, compassion, and contributions of Muslim communities help make our state stronger,’ she wrote on X.
Hochul highlighted in a press release that the Empire State has the largest Muslim American population in the US, and the state is ‘committed to being a beacon of hope, tolerance, and inclusivity.’
It’s the first time New York has declared a proclamation honoring the heritage month.
It came just a day after the Big Apple inaugurated Democratic Socialist, Zohran Mamdani, as mayor. He is the first Muslim and South Asian mayor the city has had, and he was sworn in using a Quran.
Hochul has promised the state’s government will protect Muslims from ‘Islamophobia, hate, bias, and harm,’ much of which Mamdani faced during his historic campaign for the city’s top office.
But not everyone was happy with Hochul’s decision to illuminate the World Trade Center after the original group of buildings, including the Twin Towers, were destroyed by Islamic extremists during the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul orders the World Trade Center to be lit green to commemorate Muslim American Heritage Month
Pictured: The WTC lit green. Hochul highlighted in a press release that the Empire State has the largest Muslim American population in the US
‘It’s disgusting that the Freedom Tower – which stands at the World Trade Center site – is lit in green to celebrate Islam,’ Angela Morabito, a spokeswoman for the Defense of Freedom Institute, wrote on X.
‘Wait, is that One World Trade?’ one X user wrote. ‘You can’t be serious.’
‘You actually posted the Freedom Tower in a Tweet about Muslim contributions? How is it possible to be a professional politician and be this bad at it? Are you just f**king with us?’ another wrote.
‘I thought New York would always remember. This is disgraceful,’ a third wrote.
Mamdani didn’t seem to have a problem with it, as he said in a statement: ‘Muslims have been part of New York for centuries. We have built small businesses, raised our families, pursued every profession, enriched our culture and cuisine, and been a part of what makes our city what it is today.
‘I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership in recognizing these many contributions and ensuring that every January, Muslim New Yorkers can see ourselves reflected and recognized in a city and state that is also our home.’
Other Muslim state leaders also rejoiced in the decision, including Assemblyman Charles D. Fall, State Senator Robert Jackson, and NYC Councilmember Shahana Hanlf, among others.
‘This recognition is more than symbolic – it affirms that New York’s history and future cannot be told without its Muslim communities, and I am proud to be a Muslim New Yorker,’ Hanlf said.
Many were upset over the decision to include the WTC, as the 9/11 attacks were conducted by Al-Qaeda, an Islamic terrorist organization
Hochul’s move comes just a day after the Big Apple inaugurated its first Muslim American Mayor, Zohran Mamdani (pictured with AG Letitia James and his wife Rama Duwaji). He celebrate Hochul’s decision to light landmarks green
The WTC is among the list of 16 landmarks that will be lit green this month. The Moynihan Train Hall (pictured) was also one of the structures
The Empire State Plaza were also among the list
‘Governor Hochul’s proclamation reinforces a simple truth, New York works best when its leadership reflects the people it serves,’ Fall said.
‘Declaring January as Muslim American Heritage Month affirms that Muslim New Yorkers are seen, valued, and respected for the role they play in moving New York forward.’
In the city alone, Muslim Americans make up 57 percent of street food vendors, 40 percent of taxi drivers, 12.5 percent of pharmacists, according to the Institute of Social Policy.
Other buildings and structures being lit up green this month include: Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan, Empire State Plaza in Albany, Niagara Falls, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, and more.
