William Henry :
At Elhaam Academy, students, teachers, and community members gathered for a moving program titled “24 Years Since 9/11 – The Muslim American Perspective.” The event provided a platform for reflection, remembrance, and dialogue as the community marked nearly a quarter-century since the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001.
Law enforcement leaders joined students in an open discussion about the impact of 9/11 on New York City and on Muslim American communities in particular. Captain Cedillo, Executive Officer of the 107th Precinct, spoke about the role of police in fostering trust and ensuring the safety of all residents. Captain Ehtasham Khan, a Muslim officer, shared personal reflections on resilience and representation, offering encouragement to students about the importance of contributing positively to society.
The program also featured Officer Jewel Mahbubur from the Community Outreach Division, who emphasized the importance of building bridges between police and youth. Officer Delcastillo, also with the Community Outreach team, echoed these sentiments, noting that respect and dialogue are crucial in strengthening neighborhood relationships.
Throughout the afternoon, speakers underscored the values of unity, peace, and understanding. They highlighted how Muslim Americans, like other communities, endured both grief and challenges in the aftermath of the attacks, yet remained committed to resilience and service. For many students, hearing these perspectives directly from law enforcement officers offered a meaningful connection to history while encouraging them to see their role in shaping the future.
The event was not limited to speeches. Students and faculty joined together in prayer for the victims of 9/11, remembering lives lost while reaffirming a collective commitment to stand against hate in all its forms. Teachers noted that the session provided students with both a history lesson and a chance to reflect on the values of compassion and community responsibility.
By creating space for Muslim American voices and fostering open dialogue, the program at Elhaam Academy reinforced that remembrance is not only about looking back, but also about working toward a more just and united society. The event concluded with a message of hope: that even in the face of tragedy, communities can come together, learn, and build bridges of mutual respect.
As one participant noted, “The rain of that day 24 years ago left scars, but today we plant seeds of peace that will grow for generations.”
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