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Bernards Township adopts resolution recognizing January as Muslim Heritage Month
Summary
The Bernards Township Committee unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-139 recognizing January 2026 as Muslim Heritage Month, praising the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge and inviting residents to local events including a Jan. 25 celebration and a March 12 interfaith iftar.
The Bernards Township Committee unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-139 on Jan. 13 recognizing January 2026 as Muslim Heritage Month.
Mayor Dwarte McCarthy said the resolution "demonstrates how much we value our Muslim community," and the committee read a series of "whereas" clauses noting the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge's role in fostering community service and interfaith engagement. The motion to adopt was moved and seconded and passed on a roll-call vote: Miss Acy, Mr. Hodgees, Mr. Tommpkins and Mayor Dwarte McCarthy voted yes.
Committee members urged residents to participate in events tied to the month. Committeeman Brett cited Governor Phil Murphy's 2023 joint resolution designating January as Muslim Heritage Month in New Jersey and invited neighbors to an Islamic Society of Basking Ridge celebration on Jan. 25. Committeewoman Jen said visiting the mosque and meeting Muslim business owners underlined the importance of formal recognition.
Dr. Chowry, identified in the meeting as a longtime community leader and past township official, told the committee, "Education is the key," and thanked officials for the township's recognition. He said he had accepted a county-level resolution earlier that evening and extended invitations to township officials to attend the Jan. 25 celebration (1:30':30 p.m. as read at the meeting) and an interfaith iftar on March 12 (6 to 8 p.m.).
A young speaker who identified himself as Patel, a high-school sophomore, told the committee that having the township formally recognize the month helps students "feel more at home" and gives them a chance to share their culture with neighbors.
The resolution was presented after the committee's reading and comments; the committee then formally presented the signed resolution to community leaders in attendance. The committee scheduled no further action on the resolution; it was adopted at the meeting.
Next procedural steps: the committee adopted the resolution by roll-call vote during the presentations portion of its Jan. 13 meeting.
