Muslim Holiday Recognition in Schools

The speaker shares their deep connection to Brooklyn and personal experiences growing up as a Muslim in NYC. Post-9/11, they felt compelled to support their community and volunteered at the Arab American Association. They led a campaign to recognize Muslim holidays in NYC schools, facing opposition but ultimately succeeding. The campaign's success is a source of personal pride and a significant achievement for future generations.

What dilemma did the narrator face as a Muslim student in NYC public schools?

• Choosing between school and family vacations

• Choosing between school and extracurricular activities

• Choosing between school and religious holidays

• Choosing between school and sports

What event led the narrator to question their place in the country?

• The 9/11 attacks

• The Iraq War

• The Boston Marathon bombing

• The Gulf War

What was the main issue with the 2006 state-wide exams?

• They were too difficult

• They were scheduled on Muslim holidays

• They were not inclusive of all students

• They were held during summer break

What role did Muslim women play in the campaign?

• They were passive observers

• They were at the front lines

• They opposed the campaign

• They were uninvolved

Who was a significant opponent of the campaign for Muslim holiday recognition?

• President George W. Bush

• Governor Andrew Cuomo

• Mayor Michael Bloomberg

• Senator Chuck Schumer

How did the narrator's daughter contribute to the campaign?

• She organized a protest

• She spoke at a mayoral candidate forum

• She started a petition

• She wrote a letter to the president

What was the outcome of the campaign for Muslim holiday recognition?

• Muslim holidays were ignored

• Muslim holidays were recognized by the Department of Education

• Muslim holidays were celebrated only in private schools

• Muslim holidays were recognized only in certain districts

What was the narrator's reaction to the success of the campaign?

• Disappointment

• Pride and humility

• Indifference

• Frustration

What did the narrator's daughter find on the school calendar that made her ecstatic?

• Her birthday

• Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr

• Christmas and Hanukkah

• Spring break

What does the narrator believe the recognition of Muslim holidays signifies for the community?

• A temporary victory

• A minor change

• A significant acknowledgment of their presence

• An unnecessary concession