Governor Kathy Hochul proclaimed January as the first-ever Muslim American Heritage Month in New York State on January 2, 2026. To honor this, 16 state landmarks, including One World Trade Center, were illuminated in green.
Key Details
Public Reaction
The lighting of the Freedom Tower in green drew mixed reactions. Supporters from Muslim advocacy groups saw it as a positive step for inclusion. Critics, including some 9/11 family advocates, found it insensitive due to the location's history.
For more information on state heritage month proclamations, you can visit the Governor of New York website.
nypost.com
"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."
Key Details
- Designated Month: January.
- Color Symbolism: Green is associated with Islamic heritage.
- Illuminated Landmarks: Included One World Trade Center, Empire State Plaza, Grand Central Terminal, Niagara Falls, and the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.
- Context: The proclamation followed the inauguration of New York City's first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, on January 1, 2026.
Public Reaction
The lighting of the Freedom Tower in green drew mixed reactions. Supporters from Muslim advocacy groups saw it as a positive step for inclusion. Critics, including some 9/11 family advocates, found it insensitive due to the location's history.
For more information on state heritage month proclamations, you can visit the Governor of New York website.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s order to light One World Trade Center green for Muslim American Heritage Month sparks controversy
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”…
nypost.com
"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."
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