(HARTFORD, CT, 6/14/2023) – The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT) today welcomed decisions by the Waterbury Board of Education and the Norwalk Board of Education to recognize the Islamic holiday Eid al-Fitr as an official school holiday on their 2023-24 calendars.
In a 9-1 vote, the Waterbury BOE approved the addition of the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr to the district’s 2023-2024 academic calendar. Similarly, the Norwalk BOE unanimously voted to approve the Eid holiday addition during their business planning meeting.
SEE: Waterbury approves Muslim school holiday; set for April 10
https://www.rep-am.com/localnews/2023/06/13/waterbury-approves-muslim-school-holiday/
[NOTE: Eid ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER), or “feast of fast-breaking,” is the first of the two major Muslim holidays after the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. During this holiday, Muslims greet each other by saying “Eid Mubarak” (EED-moo-BAR-ak), meaning “blessed Eid,” and “taqabbalallah ta’atakum,” or “may God accept your deeds.” Many communities also hold multicultural bazaars and other family activities following the prayers. The second holiday, Eid ul-Adha (EED-al-ODD-ha), comes near the end of the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.]
“We thank the Waterbury Board of Education and the Norwalk Board of Education for recognizing this special time for Muslim students and families in the district,” said CAIR-CT Board Chair Farhan Memon. “Now, Muslims will be able to celebrate their religious holiday and spend time with family and friends without being penalized academically.”
He noted that CAIR-CT previously called on Waterbury Schools to recognize Eid.
Other Connecticut towns and cities that have added recently Eid-ul-Fitr as district wide holidays include New Haven, Stamford, Bridgeport, and Fairfield.
SEE: Video: CAIR-CT Calls on Waterbury Schools to Recognize Eid Holidays
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CONTACT: CAIR-Connecticut Chair Farhan Memon, 203-517-6526 or fmemon@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com