In recognition of her tireless support for South Asian communities and issues, 35 prominent community leaders endorse Senator Kaplan’s re-election to the New York State Senate
HICKSVILLE, NY (August 8, 2022) – With two weeks to go before the August 23 primary, New York State Senator Anna M. Kaplan (D-North Hills) announced that she’s earned endorsements from a diverse coalition of prominent South Asian community leaders and officials in recognition of her tireless support for South Asian communities and issues. The coalition of leaders includes State Senator Kevin Thomas, Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, Dr Ijaz Ahmad, Professor Faroque Khan, Wazma Wardak Hassan, Jasbir “Jay” Singh, Kal Varghese, Toufique Harun, Mujeeb Lodhi, and Alex Esthapan Metro.
Senator Anna M. Kaplan said “I’ve been proud to stand up for the South Asian community during my time in the Senate, bringing back millions of dollars for AAPI organizations, fighting back against hate and discrimination targeting the community, and fighting for legislation that recognizes holidays like Eid, Onam and Diwali. When I’m re-elected, I will continue to fight for South Asian families, combat anti-AAPI hate, and deliver for the needs of the entire community.”
During her time in the Senate, Senator Kaplan has fought for legislation to support the South Asian community, including bills that establish Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Diwali, and Onam as school holidays for K-12 students and students at SUNY and CUNY schools. To combat the rise in anti-Asian hate and violence, Senator Kaplan delivered $20 million this year to AAPI community organizations, and she’s fighting for legislation to ensure that the history and contributions of Asian Americans is taught in schools as a means of combating hate through education. To ensure diverse students have access to healthy lunch at school, Senator Kaplan is fighting for legislation that requires Halal and Kosher food options at schools with more than 500 students. She also supported a new law that promotes and expands the sport of Cricket in New York State.
Senator Kevin Thomas said “As the first South Asian elected to the New York State Legislature, I consider it my solemn duty to look out for the needs and concerns of our community, and Senator Kaplan has been by my side throughout my tenure, fighting alongside me for the issues that matter to us. Senator Kaplan is a steadfast supporter of the South Asian community, and we’ve worked together on countless initiatives to uplift our families and neighborhoods, and we need to keep her in the Senate to keep on fighting in the coming term.”
The full list of community leaders endorsing Senator Kaplan includes: New York State Senator Kevin Thomas; New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar; Dr. Ijaz Ahmad, Chairman of American Pakistani Political Action Committee; Nimesh Shah, Community Leader; Koshy Thomas, Community Leader; Dr. Uzma Syed, Islamic Center of Long Island; Faroque Khan, Chairman, Interfaith Institute of Long Island; Dincil George, North Hempstead Indian Malayalee Association & Floral Park Indian Merchant; Nilima Madan, Rotary Club of Hicksville; Jasbir Singh, Community Leader; Kal Varghese; Community Leader; Alex Esthapan Metro, President, Kerala Center; Harjit Minhas, Alliance of South Asian American Labor; Mohammed Shabul Uddin, Alliance of South Asian American Labor; Lalit Aery, Former President, Indian Association of Long Island; Nadirshah Daredia, Community Leader; Toufique Harun, Co-founder of Muslims For Progress; Wazma Wardak Hassan, Founder and CEO of Afghan Americans of New York; Vasu Krishnamurthy, Community Leader, Desi Blue & Manhasset Dems; Shashi Malik, President, Seva Center of Humanity; Salem Merchants, Community Leader; Sanjeev Jindal, Candidate for New York State Assembly; Beena Kothari, Former President, India Association of Long Island; Indu Gajwani, President, Lions Club; Dharam Pal Singh, President, Rajput Association of North America; Rachana Shahjadpuri, President, Rotary Club; Prafulba Vaghela, Community Leader; Jaswinder “Jassi” Dhillon, Executive Director, South Asian For Strong America; Arminder Singh, Sant Sagar Gurdwara; Pritpal Walia, Sant Sagar Gurdwara; Navdeep Sharma, Kapurthla Sports Club; Parvinder Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha Sports Club; Jyoti Bhatia Gupta, Former President, Long Island Ladies Club & Community Organizer; Gurdip Singh Narula, Democratic Leader Manhasset Hills; Mujeeb Lodhi, Publisher & Chief Editor, Pakistan News.
New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar said “As the first South Asian woman elected to New York State Office, I urge all of Long Island’s South Asian community to vote for Anna Kaplan for New York State Senate District 7. She is a proven leader who is always there for our community, whether it is meeting with all the South Asian organizations in her district, standing up against anti-Asian hate crimes, or including South Asians on her team. Having immigrated to America from Iran at age 13, Senator Kaplan has a life story similar to many South Asian Americans, and she understands exactly what they need to grow and prosper. South Asian Long Islanders have an ally in Anna Kaplan, and I look forward to many more years of partnering with her in Albany to serve all New Yorkers.”
Professor Faroque Ahmad Khan said “Senator Kaplan has been a tireless fighter for the AAPI community and a strong supporter of the Interfaith Institute of Long Island – from helping to secure this year’s historic $20 million investment in AAPI communities to co-sponsoring legislation to make sure all New York students know the history and civic impact of Asian Americans. I know she will continue to be a strong advocate for my community, and I am so proud to support our State Senator Anna Kaplan for re-election.”
Dr. Uzma Syed said “Senator Anna Kaplan has always stood up for our community. From championing bills to prevent violent hate crimes to fighting to make Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Diwali, and Onam school holidays, I know that Anna Kaplan is a representative who truly cares about protecting and uplifting the South Asian community. I’m honored to call Anna a friend and someone I will continue to work with on the critical issues that Long Island faces.”
