New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city will provide free halal meals to Muslims in need during the celebration of Ramadan.

The monthlong Islamic observance begins Thursday evening, but many Muslims in New York cannot visit mosques to break their daily fasts because of coronavirus restrictions. De Blasio noted that the city would work to help Muslims honor Ramadan by providing halal meals to those in need during a press conference that day.

"One of Ramadan's most noble callings is to feed the hungry. And it's a crucial part of how the holiday is celebrated, to remember to be there for those in need. And that is now harder than ever. Obviously, people can't go to their mosques," he explained. "In fact, mosques have often been a place that those who were hungry, those who were poor, would know they could go during Ramadan to break the fast."

He continued, "They knew there would always be a meal there for them. That's no going to be true in this season. So, we want to, the city of New York wants to support this community as we're supporting all communities."

As Muslim New Yorkers prepare to start the holy month of Ramadan tonight, Mayor Bill de Blasio says the city is taking steps to support the Muslim community with Halal food programs.



“Over half a million meals will be distributed during Ramadan” for Muslim New Yorkers in need pic.twitter.com/d4PbFtGMa5 — CBS News (@CBSNews) April 23, 2020

De Blasio noted that 400,000 halal meals will be available to Muslims throughout the city during the holiday season. He said that anyone looking for a meal, regardless of their religion, will be served.

The mayor acknowledged that Christians and Jews had to make similar sacrifices while avoiding gatherings during Easter and Passover. He added, "This is a place that truly believes in equality, something that is a profound New York City value."