April 21st, 2022 –
While some families are back in their apartments, over 50 families out of 120 families impacted by the Bronx fire are still living in hotels—trying to get through Ramadan without a stove or means to prepare food for the breakfast.
This was just one of the concerns we heard last week whenICNY joined the Muslim Officers’ Association of the NYPD, the New York Board of Rabbis, and the Center for Faith Based and Community Partnership, Church of the Heavenly Rest, and the Bronx Borough President for a dialogue on “Faith Leaders Supporting One Another: A Conversation with the Gambian Community of NYC”. The forum offered a platform for community members still impacted by the fire to voice their concerns to City of New York. During the conversation, members of the Gambians community and West African communities highlighted concerns such as permanent affordable housing, better police and community relationship, youth development services, recreational activities, and community centers.
The forum included conversation and input from the Bronx Borough President Venessa Gibson, Det. Mohamed Amen, and Pastor Monrose regarding their respective agencies. Lastly, Rev. Breyer, Rabbi Potasnik, Matt Heyd, Det. Amen and ICLA’s fellow presented a check worth about $2,600 to Imam Kaba on behalf of Masjid Ar-Rahama for their daily iftar meals.
