Governor Kathy Hochul proclaimed January as Muslim American Heritage Month and ordered 16 state landmarks — including One World Trade Center — to be lit green in recognition of Muslim American heritage. The move followed the inauguration of Zohran Mamdani as New York City's first Muslim mayor and drew praise from several Muslim elected officials and community leaders. Leaders emphasized the community's civic contributions and resilience since 9/11, while reporting also noted a rise in anti-Jewish incidents in New York in 2024. Research highlights the significant presence of Muslim New Yorkers in key service professions.
Hochul Declares January Muslim American Heritage Month; One World Trade Center, 15 Other Landmarks To Be Lit Green
The Tribute in Light is illuminated above the skyline of Lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center behind the Statue of Liberty ahead of the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York City Sept. 10, 2025.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday issued a proclamation declaring January Muslim American Heritage Month and directed 16 state landmarks — including One World Trade Center — to be illuminated green that night in recognition of the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans.
"Home to the largest Muslim American population in the nation, New York is proud to join in this month-long celebration, recognizing the values, faith and traditions of our Muslim American communities," Hochul said, adding that the state remains "committed to being a beacon of hope, tolerance, and inclusivity that celebrates the diversity of its Muslim American population and protects them from Islamophobia, hate, bias, and harm."
Context And Reactions
The decision to light landmarks green came a day after Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City's first Muslim mayor, taking his oath on the Quran. Mamdani said he was proud of the milestone but underscored that "Muslims have been part of New York for centuries," noting their long-standing contributions to business, professions, culture and neighborhood life.
Zohran Mamdani is sworn in as mayor on a pair of family Qurans Thursday.
"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," Mamdani said.
Several Muslim elected officials — including New York State Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Charles Fall, State Senator Robert Jackson, and City Councilmembers Shahana Hanif and Yusef Salaam — welcomed the designation and praised the governor for promoting inclusion.
Mohammad Razvi, CEO of the Council of Peoples Organization, said the recognition "affirms our place in the social, cultural and civic life of our state," praising the community's resilience since Sept. 11, 2001 and its ongoing civic and economic contributions.
History, Security And Sensitivities
One World Trade Center stands near the site of the former 6 World Trade Center, which was heavily damaged by falling debris after the North Tower collapsed in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Those attacks were carried out by extremists affiliated with al-Qaeda. News coverage and public statements in these contexts often emphasize that such attackers do not represent Muslim communities at large and that many Muslim Americans were themselves victims of post-9/11 backlash.
One World Trade Center will be one of 16 landmarks illuminated in honor of Muslim American Heritage Month.
The administration said it reached out to organizations representing 9/11 victims, survivors and families for comment about the decision to illuminate landmarks, including One World Trade Center.
Data And Community Contributions
Reporting cited in the article notes that in 2024 anti-Jewish incidents accounted for a majority of hate crimes in New York City, with The Times of Israel reporting they made up about 54% of recorded incidents that year. Separately, research from the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) estimates that Muslim New Yorkers make up roughly 12.5% of the city's pharmacists, about 40% of taxi drivers, and more than 57% of street food vendors — underscoring the community's prominent role in local services and the economy.
What This Means: The proclamation and landmark lightings are intended as symbolic recognition of Muslim American contributions to New York's civic life, while public reaction highlights ongoing conversations about history, security and intercommunal relations in the city.
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