End of Ramadan celebrated with toy giveaway in Bronx Park

As Ramadan comes to an end, a local Muslim organization gave away thousands of toys Sunday at Bronx Park to kids in need.

News 12 Staff

May 16, 2021, 10:57 PM

Updated 1,263 days ago

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As Ramadan comes to an end, a local Muslim organization gave away thousands of toys Sunday at Bronx Park to kids in need.
Eid marks the end of Ramadan, a yearly Muslim holiday that includes fasting from dawn to sunset.
This year, the Muslim community across New York City decided to celebrate Eid in the Bronx by giving away over 2,000 toys, handed out from 40 exotic cars that drove from Long Island to the Bronx.
"Some of them like the Lamborghini…the sound of the engine," said participant Josh Arryeh, of Smiles Through Cars.
Local leaders with the Islamic Circle of North America Relief said giving back is an important part of their faith.
“It comes from the people of those who have and it goes to the people who don't have," said Islamic Circle of North America director Arshad Jamal.
Creator Hamza Akram said he got the idea from the popular Marine Corps toy drive, Toys For Tots.
"So, I named it 'Toys For Eid.' We came together and we wanted to do something for the Muslim community," Akram said.
Children of all backgrounds were welcomed, which was something local officials said reflects the diversity of the Bronx.
"In every faith that there is, there is a commonality in believing in a higher power and the goodness and everyone," said Assemblymember Natalia Fernandez.
Akram added that no matter what one believes, people need to come together now more than ever.
"Whether you're Jewish, Christian, or Islam, because at the end of the day, we're all one," Akram said.