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Bernards Township proclaims Jewish and AAPI Heritage Months; local leaders and organizations recognized
Summary
The township committee approved resolutions recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian‑American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, with local religious and cultural organizations invited to accept proclamations and speak to the committee.
Bernards Township on May 27 passed resolutions honoring Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian‑American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, recognizing local institutions and volunteers for cultural programming and outreach.
Mayor Fields and multiple committee members read proclamations and thanked local organizations. The committee specifically recognized the Habad (Hav) of Somerset County and Rabbi Shav, who accepted a resolution honoring Jewish heritage and committed to continued community engagement. "I'm happy that we mark May as Jewish Heritage Month in Bernards Township tonight," a committee member said while presenting the resolution.
On the AAPI resolution, the committee acknowledged the Bernards Chinese American Association and the Basking Ridge Indian Community; Jane Zang and other community leaders spoke about events (mid‑autumn festival, Lunar New Year) and volunteerism. A committee member cited township demographics, saying AAPI residents make up "24% of our township's population," and thanked community volunteers for outreach and partnership with municipal programs.
Both resolutions were moved, seconded and approved without recorded opposition. Committee members and organization representatives took photographs after each presentation.
Why it matters: the proclamations formally recognize cultural contributions of two communities within Bernards Township and strengthen ties between municipal government and local cultural organizations. The committee highlighted the role that cultural events play in education and community cohesion.
Next steps: community organizations were invited to bring program details and to partner with township events and educational activities; no funding or program mandates were specified in the meeting record.
