On Friday, June 12, Chair of the City Council Jewish Caucus Mark Levine and Harlem City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, welcomed Lassana Bathily to City Hall. Bathily, a young Muslim man whose heroism saved Jewish shoppers from terrorists during an attack on a Kosher supermarket in eastern Paris in January, hid the shoppers in a storage room until authorities could respond.
Bathily has been praised for his bravery across the world, including President Obama, who said of the Paris attack, “we must remember the employee of the supermarket, a Muslim, who hid Jewish customers and saved their lives.” Bathily, 25, was also recognized by the French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, for his courage and given French citizenship.
“Lassana Bathily’s selfless actions exemplifies the best of our common humanity. In the face of gut-wrenching tragedy, he lept forward to help people he he did not know and whose faith differed from his. The reason he gave for his actions was simple, yet powerful: ‘we are brothers.’ I’m honored to meet this young man with members of the Jewish Caucus, Council Member Miller and the Council Speaker to express our gratitude for the example he’s set for the world,” said Harlem Council Member Mark Levine.
“Lassana Bathily is a true hero and we thank him for his courage on that terrible day in Paris,” said Harlem Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “In the face of fear and danger, Mr. Bathily showed selfless bravery and saved many lives. New York City stands in solidarity with Paris and its commitment to protecting religious tolerance for all.”
“From tragedies rise heroes and Lassana Bathily answered the call during the most critical moments of the Paris shootings this January,” said Council Member I. Daneek Miller, the sole Muslim member of the New York City Council. “This young man rightfully became an international symbol in the aftermath of the shootings, a link for Muslims and Jews alike to rally towards in a time of despair. I am honored to meet with Lassana today, and am delighted to share this moment with my colleagues including Speaker Mark-Viverito and members of the Jewish Caucus.”
“During a time when so many forces are looking to divide us, Lassana Bathily’s heroic actions show that unity, tolerance and peace is within reach if we fight for it. This is a young man who put his life on the line to save others and should serve as an inspiration to people from all walks of life. I will be forever grateful to Lassana for his incredible act of courage during a terrible tragedy and for the important message he has sent to millions around the world. We all have a responsibility to learn from his actions and do our part to unite people of all religions and backgrounds,” said Council Member Mark Treyger.
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