(ROCHESTER, NY) - Tonight, Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) and members of Rochester’s Muslim community celebrated Ramadan together with a free community iftar dinner hosted by Senator Cooney at Edgerton R-Center. 

“Ramadan is a time of reflection, community, and spiritual healing,” said Senator Cooney. “Each year, many members of our community come together to gather, break fast, and educate their neighbors on the significance of Ramadan. It was a pleasure to host over 150 neighbors for this special dinner for the 3rd straight year. For all who celebrate, Ramadan Mubarak!” 

During this year’s celebration, Senator Cooney honored those making a difference in our local Muslim community.

A New York State Commendation was awarded to Abu Islam. Abu is a highly respected and impactful leader within the Rochester Muslim community whose lifelong dedication to faith-based service and charitable advancement has strengthened institutions and uplifted countless families. As one of the founders of Barakah Muslim ¹Charities, he played a pivotal role in establishing an organization committed to meeting the needs of vulnerable populations with dignity and compassion. His leadership extended to Masjid Tawfeeq, where he served as a trusted advisor and contributed meaningfully to its development and growth, ensuring it became  a cornerstone for worship, education, and community engagement. He also served as former President of the Islamic Center of Rochester and continues to serve as a trustee of Barakah Muslim Charities.

A New York State Commendation was awarded to Hasan Bayram. A proud immigrant from Turkey, Hasan’s entrepreneurial spirit has left a lasting impact on the community. After moving to the United States in pursuit of opportunity, he founded a sewing business—Thimble Tailor in Brighton—built on craftsmanship, discipline, and an unwavering work ethic. Through long hours and personal sacrifice, he established a reputation for quality and integrity, earning the trust of customers and building a strong family-run business, now run by his two children, Fatima and Tufan Bayram.

A New York State Empire Award was given to Just Chick’n. Just Chik’n is a Peruvian rotisserie restaurant located on Jefferson Road. The eatery is known for its authentic, Halal-certified Peruvian chicken. The complete chicken menu is marinated in Peruvian spices for 24 hours before being served. It officially opened in November of 2020. Just Chik'n is open late at night so that customers have a variety of food options during the hours when most restaurants are closed. As an RIT alum, the owner Mr. Yoruk has been a part of the RIT Visiting Chefs Program, bringing food to campus weekly for students.

Ramadan is a holy month in Islam that occurs each year during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and takes place each day between sunrise and sunset. Fasts are broken after sunset with iftar dinners between family and friends. Ramadan is seen as a time for spiritual reflection with special attention given to reading the Quran.

Senator Cooney organized the iftar alongside the Turkish Cultural Center of Rochester, Peace Islands Institute, MECA (Muslim Engagement for Civil Action), and Masjid Tawfeeq of Rochester. Senator Cooney, MVP Healthcare and Layali Coffee House sponsored the event.

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