It was an historic moment for Muslim New Yorkers Thursday: the first time the nation's largest school system has closed for an Islamic holy day. NY1's Lindsey Christ filed the following report.

For about 10 percent of public school students, Thursday was the first time they woke up on the Muslim holy day of Eid al-Adha and didn't have to choose between their religion and school.

"I love school and I like to learn things in school. I don't want to miss any little detail or just going to be like left back, so I want to know if I can do school or go Eid, because Eid is my holiday and I don't want to miss it, either," said Amani Aboelnour, a fifth-grade student.

For many of their parents, it was even more emotional, especially for those who had been involved in the nine-year fight to have the holiday recognized.   

"I was born and raised in Brooklyn and went to New York City public schools, and it was a decision that my parents and I had to make every single year. And the fact that I don't have to make that choice anymore for my children is, is a huge deal. It's a big victory," said Linda Sarsour of the Arab American Association of New York.

In March, Mayor Bill de Blasio followed through with a campaign promise to make the major Muslim holidays of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr school holidays, something his predecessor, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, had opposed, saying students needed more time in the classroom, not more holidays.

Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña said having the day off is its own kind of learning opportunity.  

"It's really important that our students in New York City understand that being a multicultural city is understanding and respecting everyone else's religions, belief systems," Fariña said.

This school year has been off to a slow start. Labor Day was late this year. Then, there were the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and now Eid al-Adha. There have been four days of holidays for just eight days of classes.  

De Blasio also made the Asian Lunar New Year a school holiday, which means students will stay home on February 8 as well. But the mayor says that's it. He's not considering canceling class for any other religious holidays. And many parents will be relieved that next week, schools will finally be open for five days in a row.