New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation declaring January “Muslim American Heritage Month.” “Governor Hochul further directed 16 state landmarks to be illuminated green this evening in observance this month, and in celebration of the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans,” a press release read. “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. “New York 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,” she added. The resilience, compassion, and contributions of Muslim communities help make our state stronger.  Tonight landmarks across the state are lit green as New York celebrates Muslim American Heritage Month. pic.twitter.com/5AFw9dsgof — Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) January 2, 2026 More from the New York Post: Hochul’s decision to light up the skyscraper erected on the site where the Twin Towers were knocked down by terrorists during the 9/11 attacks was decried as “tone deaf” and “disgusting” by several social media users. “The twin towers were unable to be lit green tonight,” Queens Republican Councilwoman Vickie Paladino wrote on X. “It’s disgusting that the Freedom Tower – which stands at the World Trade Center site – is lit in green to celebrate Islam,” fumed Angela Morabito, a spokeswoman for the Defense of Freedom Institute, in a post on X. “What ‘contributions of Muslim communities’ are you honoring here, Governor?” she continued. “The time the worst among them killed thousands of innocent Americans?” These 16 landmarks will be illuminated green for Muslim American Heritage Month: One World Trade Center Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Kosciuszko Bridge The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building State Education Building Alfred E. Smith State Office Building Empire State Plaza State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct Albany International Airport Gateway MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal Moynihan Train Hall Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Niagara Falls New York City Hall lit up in green as New York State officially recognised Muslim American Heritage Month for the first time, following a proclamation by Governor Kathy Hochul pic.twitter.com/NqfOzNPFxl — TRT World (@trtworld) January 3, 2026 “While I was proud to be sworn in as our city’s first Muslim mayor yesterday, 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,” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said. Fox News shared further: Other Muslim politicians, including New York State Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Charles Fall, state Sen. Robert Jackson, New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif and New York City Councilmember Yusef Salaam applauded the designation, thanking Hochul for honoring the community and promoting inclusivity. Council of Peoples Organization CEO Mohammad Razvi noted the Muslim community has “demonstrated resilience in the years following 9/11 while continuing to strengthen New York through immigrant contributions, civic leadership and service. This recognition affirms our place in the social, cultural and civic life of our state. … This moment reflects New York’s continued commitment to civil rights, religious freedom, unity and interfaith solidarity and to ensuring that people of all backgrounds are seen, valued and included.” While anti-Muslim hate crime increased after the 9/11 attacks, Jews were targeted more frequently than all other groups combined in New York City in 2024, with anti-Jewish incidents accounting for 54% of all hate crimes, according to a report from The Times of Israel. The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding reported the Muslim community in New York City makes up 12.5% of pharmacists, 40% of taxi drivers and more than 57% of street food vendors.