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Woman Named First Female President Of Long Island Mosque

WESTBURY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The Islamic Center of Long Island -- the oldest mosque and one of the largest on the island -- has named a woman as its next president.

Isma Chaudhry is now the first-ever woman to be named president of a mosque on Long Island.

"It is very exciting. It's an honor," said Chaudhry.

Chaudhry, a retired doctor from Manhasset, said having the first female president of a Long Island mosque sends an important message, 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reported.

"This is a message to dispel misconceptions about Islam," she said.

Woman Named First Female President Of Long Island Mosque

Misconceptions, she said, that Muslim women are oppressed or that Muslims embrace terrorism, Rivera reported.

"This is not what Islam teaches. Islam -- the first thing is respect for life," Chaudhry said.

Chaudhry takes over at the mosque in Westbury on Jan. 1, 2015.

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