Nassau Legislator Proposes Adding 3 Holidays To County's Calendar

WOODBURY, NY — Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan has proposed adding three new holidays to the county's calendar. If accented, they would become paid days off for county employees.

Lafazan, a Democrat who is also running for Congress, drafted a bill to add Lunar New Year, Eid al-Adha and Diwali to the county calendar. The bill would direct the county executive to bargain with the county's unions to offer employees those days off.

“Lunar New Year, Eid al-Adha and Diwali are celebrated by thousands of our fellow Nassau residents,” said Lafazan. “Adding them to the list of recognized holidays demonstrates our commitment to understanding and promoting the wonderful diversity of Nassau County and the respect owed to our neighbors who celebrate these joyous occasions. I look forward to seeing them added to the official calendar so that those who take part in them will be able to do so freely and without missing any important work obligations.”

Lunar New Year is observed by millions of Asian Americans. It begins this year on Tuesday, Feb. 1. Eid al-Adha is a major Muslim holiday, which marks the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is usually celebrated in late October or early November.

A handful of Nassau County school districts have added Diwali and Lunar New Year to their calendars in recent years.

“I believe that we should be inclusive of all different faith groups and allow individuals to
celebrate their religious holiday with their family and loved ones," said Wazma Wadak Hassan, of Afghan Americans of NY and a member of the Nassau County Asian American Advisory Council, in a statement. "I support Josh in this initiative and hope the legislation passes for all the constituents of Nassau County.”

Before his time in the Legislature, Lafazan helped enact a similar policy as a member of the Syosset Board of Education. The district gives students off for all three holidays. Lafazan said he proposed adding the holidays to the county's calendar to increase "awareness and respect" for them.