New York City has just added two Muslim holidays to its school calendar, making it the biggest and one of the few districts that observe Islamic holy days.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and city Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina on Wednesday said schools will be closed on September 24^th for the Eid al-Adha, also known as the festival honoring Abraham's sacrifice of his son to God.

Like Us on Facebook

There will also be no classes during Eid al-Fitr, the day that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.  This will fall over the summer break beginning 2016, and will affect students attending summer school.

"This is a common-sense change," de Blasio said Wednesday, "and one that recognizes our growing Muslim community and honors its contributions to our city."

The announcement is part of de Blasio's campaign to put religious and cultural diversity in schools a priority.

Farina said with the new policy, Muslim students and their families are now free to observe two of the most important Muslim holidays, without worrying about their school obligations. 

"This new addition will also enable a teachable moment in the classroom for our students to learn about religious tolerance and the societal contributions of various cultures," Farina added.

For Linda Sarsour, executive director of the Arab American Association of New York and a mother of three public school students, this day marked a huge victory for the children and the future generations of the country.

"Muslims are a part of the fabric of this country," Sarsour said. "We make our country proud, and today, New York City made us proud."

Of the eight million people living in New York City's five counties, almost a million practice Islam.  Based on a 2009 Columbia University study, 10 percent of the city's one million students are Muslims.

Other states that observe Muslim holidays include New Jersey, Massachusetts and Vermont.

New York had been observing several other Christian and Jewish holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Passover and Rosh Hashanah.

TagsNew York City, Muslim Holidays