New York City's Mosques Struggle to Support Migrant Influx During Ramadan

The Impact of Migrants on New York City Mosques

New York City is experiencing a significant surge in migrants, with over 185,000 arrivals since 2022, creating substantial challenges for the city's Islamic institutions. Mosques, particularly in Harlem and the Bronx, have emerged as primary destinations for these migrants upon their arrival in the city.

Overwhelming Capacity during Ramadan

The surge of migrants has placed tremendous strain on Islamic institutions, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Above a bodega in Harlem, a mosque congregation hosts iftar, the traditional Islamic end-of-fast meal, for hundreds of migrants every night. Meanwhile, in the Bronx, an imam has converted his mosque into an overnight shelter for many migrants, particularly men from his native Senegal.

Challenges Faced by Islamic Institutions

Muslim leaders and imams have been making appeals for donations of money, food, clothing, and other essential supplies to support the growing migrant population. Due to the overwhelming number of migrants seeking assistance, many mosques have opened their doors to provide a place for rest and recovery, especially for those who have had restless nights sleeping on the streets or in the subway.

Economic Strain on Mosque Leaders

Imam Omar Niass, who runs a mosque in the Bronx, has personally shouldered the financial burden of providing shelter for newly arrived migrants, accumulating significant utility bill arrears. Despite the economic strain, he remains committed to supporting the migrants, emphasizing that denying them help is not an option in their culture.

Government Response and Faith-Based Initiatives

Last summer, Democratic Mayor Eric Adams introduced a program aimed at providing funding, security, and support for mosques, churches, and synagogues willing to offer overnight shelter to migrants. Although the city has taken steps to address the issue, only a fraction of the proposed shelters have been approved, raising concerns about the sustainability of relying solely on faith-based institutions to accommodate the migrants.

Challenges and Future Support

The limitations faced by faith-based institutions, including outdated building infrastructure, have presented obstacles to providing sufficient shelter for migrants. While the city has made adjustments to certain regulations, such as reducing the maximum number of permitted beds at faith-based shelters, concerns about health and safety standards persist. However, the city and faith-based leaders are working to find common ground to address the needs of the migrant population.

Living Conditions and Struggles

The current living conditions at these makeshift shelters are less than ideal, with cramped spaces and basic amenities. While migrants like Malick Thiam express gratitude for the hospitality, they also express a desire to secure their own accommodations due to the difficulties they face. Similarly, individuals like Alphabacar Diallo acknowledge the support provided by the mosque but are eager to attain work authorization and become self-sufficient.

Impact of Mosques on Migrant Support

For many migrants, these mosques provide not only a place for physical refuge but also a source of spiritual strength and community support. Despite the challenges faced by both the migrants and the institutions supporting them, there remains a strong sense of resilience and hope for a better future.