During the first Jummah Prayer of February 2023, Assemblywoman Gina L. Sillitti visited Hillside Islamic Center to meet and engage with the community. Born and raised on Long Island, Gina Sillitti has a proven record of public service and will use her government experience to deliver results for the people of the 16th Assembly District. Gina is a first-time elected official, having won her first election in November 2020. She had beaten the Republican nominee Vibhuti Jha who had made disparaging and racist remarks against the Muslim and Sikh communities. Gina has been vocal about condemning racism and islamophobia in all manners and providing an inclusive and safe community for all in district 16.

The visit was organized by the Muslim Entrepreneur Association, NY Grows Together, and PATH. The event was headed and supported by prominent community leaders such as Abdul Rahman, Bob Lopez, Syed Waseem, Sherry Williams, Japneet Singh, Ashraf Azmi, Dr. Sara Siddiqui, Vakil Ansari, Abdul Azziz, and several others. The office and staff brought Chai and Donuts that was served after the prayer to the fellow congregation.

The community was very receptive to Assemblywoman Gina L. Sillitti and looks forward to working with her on matters facing the community.