Pandemic Response in New York
HOW THE AMERICAN PAKISTANI ADVOCACY GROUP IS HELPING COMMUNITIES IN NEED
The American Pakistani Advocacy Group assists the Pakistani American community to thrive in all aspects of American life; promotes Pakistani identity, and culture; and builds bridges with other communities. Learn more about their work here.
THE APAG MISSION
The American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) serves the South Asian community in the United States with a focus on Pakistani Americans. Based out of New York City, APAG serves one of the largest Pakistani migrant communities in the country. APAG focuses on community empowerment and changing the narrative about Pakistani Americans through a variety of activities, including interfaith dialogues, civic engagement, and cultural events. Most recently, APAG has coordinated a city-wide response to assist pandemic-affected communities.
APAG PANDEMIC RESPONSE RAMADAN PACKAGES
During Ramadan, APAG has been distributing food packages containing 12-15 essential items, including flour, rice, and bread, to the elderly, disabled individuals, and those facing financial hardship. To date, APAG has delivered over 1500 grocery packages sufficient for 10,000 people throughout the five boroughs of NYC, Long Island, and upstate New York while observing social distancing.
“As global citizens, it is our duty to respect and honor the service of individuals fighting pandemic on the frontlines. We must look after the people helping keep us and our families safe. Pakistani Americans will stand with our heroes who are fighting for us.”
RAMADAN & COVID-19 DISCUSSION WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS
APAG hosted a virtual town hall on April 23 on the topic of Ramadan & COVID 19 with senior elected officials & special guests. Guests included David Weprin, New York State Assembly member; Senator John Liu, New York State Senate; Donovan Richards, New York City Council, District 31; and the Honorable Ayesha Ali, the Consul General from the Consulate of Pakistan in New York City. The town hall provides community members with valuable knowledge on the various relief programs available to them. APAG also offered guidance on how to navigate Ramadan while being respectful of social distancing.
APAG also hosted another town hall discussing safety and legal rights during the pandemic. Speakers included Queens Borough District Attorney Melinda Katz, Suffolk County Police Department Deputy Commissioner Risco Mention-Lewis, and New York Police Department Deputy Chief Joseph Gulotta.
MEALS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
APAG’s Meals for First Responders Initiative provides a free hot meal to individuals on the frontlines of the pandemic, regardless of which community they belong to. Utilizing local restaurant partnerships, APAG has developed a network of restaurants in Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Nassau, and Suffolk to provide free meals to first responders. To date, APAG has provided over 2000 meals to first responders.