Masjid Hamza holds spring fair

The grounds of Masjid Hamza were buzzing with activity on May 30, where members and friends of the mosque gathered for its spring fair. Women tended racks of traditional clothing that they were selling, and children took turns reciting verses from the Koran over a loudspeaker as others chowed down on hamburgers, cheese steaks, watermelon and ice cream.

Mayor Ed Fare, Village Justice Robert Bogle and Lieutenant Bill Martin, head of the Valley Stream Auxiliary Police, were invited for the occasion. The mosque presented a plaque to Martin, whose volunteer organization includes several members of the village’s Muslim community. The auxiliary assists with traffic safety in front of the building on Fridays and during the holy month of Ramadan, which began on Wednesday.

“All the youth that would like to do some service for our community, to join the auxiliary police, it is essential and critical that we, as Muslims, get involved in the community and give back,” said Karim Mozawalla, a trustee at Masjid Hamza, during a short ceremony.

Town of Hempstead Clerk Nasrin Ahmad was also present. She recited a prayer.

Fare and Bogle thanked the attendees for inviting them.

“I always welcome the invitation,” Fare said. “It’s terrific. It’s probably the fifth or sixth time we’ve been here. The judge and I are very, very happy to be here. It’s a gorgeous day. I thank you so much for your friendship, I thank you so much for your hospitality.”

Bogle praised the congregation’s presence in the village. “I just want to tell you, your contribution to this community has been totally indispensable. We don’t know what we’d do without it,” he said.

Fare stood among the attendees after the honors were given. Most of the women wore hijabs covering their hair; a few wore veils over their faces, exposing only their eyes. Some men wore jeans and t-shirts, while others wore kufis on their heads and thobes, traditional ankle-length robes common in the Middle East. Fare said he had Mozawalla in his class at one time, and now teaches his children.

“That’s either a good thing, or it’s time for me to retire,” he said. He praised the mosque for making efforts to connect with the rest of the village.