South Brunswick Celebrates Muslim Heritage Month

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – On Tuesday, the South Brunswick Town Council adopting a resolution recognizing January as “Muslim Heritage Month” in the township.

The resolution comes on the heels of a statewide Muslim Heritage Month that was approved last year.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers unanimously supported the state resolution in both chambers.

"The Mayor and Township Council acknowledge the significant contributions made by its Muslim residents to our town of South Brunswick, New Jersey and by adoption of this resolution, seek to increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the Muslim American community," the resolution said.

New Jersey has one of the highest percentages of Muslim residents in the nation.

During the public portion of the meeting, Imam Hamed Chebli appreciated the Township for being the first to recognize the two holy days for Muslims —Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

"We are a minority and we are very happy to be in South Brunswick. Please consider what Muslims contribute to South Brunswick and America," Chebli said.

The Muslim community members arranged food from Karachi Kitchen, Khan Baba, Kapadokya and Halal Guys.

Here's what the resolution says:

WHEREAS, There are an estimated 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide, approximately 3.45 million Muslim Americans who live across the nation, and New Jersey ranks number one in the nation in the percentage of its population that is Muslim; About one-quarter of Muslims in America are African American, about one quarter are of South Asian descent and about one-quarter are of Middle Eastern heritage; and

WHEREAS, Muslims have been part and parcel of this nation since before its founding. This includes Muslim explorers and settlers and at least one-quarter of the slaves brought to this country claimed the Muslim faith. The Muslim population has continued to grow and is the fastest growing religion in America. In addition to the local Muslim population, several waves of immigration have bolstered the Muslim population by bringing Muslims to America from all over the world.

WHEREAS, The Muslim community in New Jersey is relatively large and thriving. There are many Muslim private schools, Halal certified restaurants and grocery stores, community centers, youth groups that cater to Muslims and, of course, mosques; and

WHEREAS, The Township of South Brunswick is home to a significant Muslim American population who represent widely diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds; South Brunswick is also home to one of the oldest and largest mosques, Islamic Society of Central Jersey; and

WHEREAS, South Brunswick's Muslims actively engage in charitable and public service individually and institutionally. The Islamic Society of Central Jersey has served South Brunswick since the early 1980's and many South Brunswick Muslims have served in various public service roles. The Muslim community has also served South Brunswick by providing free charitable services. The Muslim community is an integral part of the South Brunswick community; and

WHEREAS, The Township of South Brunswick and our nation have greatly benefited from Muslim Americans, especially through their rich cultures and traditions. Muslims have hailed from over 55 Muslim majority countries and have brought a plethora of cultural traditions including languages, literatures, arts, philosophies, sciences, etc.; and

WHEREAS, Muslim Americans share their strong family values, dedication to education, generosity in charitable giving, devotion to public service, diversity in faith and creed that add strength to our democracy; and

WHEREAS, The Township of South Brunswick and our nation have greatly benefited from Muslim Americans, especially through their rich cultures and traditions. Muslims have hailed from over 55 Muslim majority countries and have brought a plethora of cultural traditions including languages, literatures, arts, philosophies, sciences, etc.; and

WHEREAS, Muslim Americans share their strong family values, dedication to education, generosity in charitable giving, devotion to public service, diversity in faith and creed that add strength to our democracy; and

WHEREAS, Muslim Americans enrich our society by sharing in the entrepreneurial spirit of America and contribute to its economic prosperity, growth, and wellbeing; and

WHEREAS, Muslim Americans are strong contributors to economic sectors and have particularly excelled in the areas of medicine, law, business, education, politics, government, military service, technology, science and culture and arts; and

WHEREAS, Muslim Americans serve in various levels of government across the state and nation, including in the executive, legislative and judicial branches; and

WHEREAS, Muslims in America continue to be a subject of anti-Muslim sentiment and Islamophobia. This hate has risen to historic heights recently and sadly contributes to harassment, bullying and intimidation in workplaces, in our schools and in other public and private spheres.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED on this 23rd day of January, 2024, by the Mayor and Township Council of South Brunswick, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, that that the Mayor and Township Council recognize: January 2024 as "Muslim Heritage Month"