BERGEN COUNTY CELEBRATES RAMADAN WITH GRAND IFTAR AND CRESCENT LIGHTING
Recognizes the Holy Month of Ramadan and the Contributions of Bergen County’s Muslim Community
HACKENSACK, NJ – On Tuesday, March 18, the County of Bergen, in partnership with the Eid Committee of New Jersey, hosted its Annual Grand Iftar and Crescent Lighting in recognition of the Holy Month of Ramadan at Two Bergen County Plaza.
Considered the holiest month in the Islamic faith, Ramadan is recognized as the month when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The month is marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, reflection, and charitable giving. The evening meal, or iftar, is a time for families and communities to gather and break their fast while expressing gratitude for their blessings.
The County’s event brought together elected officials, religious leaders, and community members to honor the values of faith, gratitude, and peace that Ramadan represents. Welcome remarks were given by New Jersey District 37 Assemblywoman Shama Haider, one of the first Muslim women ever to be elected to the New Jersey state legislature. The evening also featured a special nasheed performance by students from the Academy of Greatness and Excellence in Ridgefield Park.
Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III delivered remarks to the audience.
“Throughout my years in public service-- as Mayor of Paramus and now as County Executive, I’ve had the privilege of working very closely with the Muslim community, learning about your heritage, and witnessing the values you hold dear”, said County Executive Tedesco. “I am proud to stand alongside our Muslim community and reaffirm that Bergen County will always be a place where everyone is valued and can practice their faith freely. We are honored to host you all tonight as you break your fast in the county seat,” continued Tedesco.
Prayers for peace were given by Father Phil Latronico of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark and Imam Mufti Saad Roghani of Nida-Ul Islam in Teaneck.
Closing remarks were delivered by Bergen County Commissioner Chairwoman Mary Amoroso, who reiterated the County’s role as an inclusive and diverse community.
The event culminated in the lighting of the crescent outside of Two Bergen County Plaza, where evening Maghrib prayer was also offered. The crescent will remain lit for the remainder of the Month of Ramadan.
On reflecting on the evening, Commissioner Tom Sullivan said, “Bergen County is proud to celebrate with our Muslim community as we gather for Iftar, a time of reflection, unity, and gratitude. This celebration is a testament to the diversity that makes our county strong, and we are honored to share in the traditions that bring us together.”
Food and refreshments were kindly donated by the Cultural Society of Bergen County, the Eid Committee of New Jersey, El-Zahra Islamic Center in Midland Park, Minhaj-Ul-Quran in Hackensack, Nida-Ul Islam in Teaneck, and Parathas & Platters of Hackensack.
Above: Bergen County Commissioner Chairwoman Mary Amoroso, Bergen County Chair Pro Tempore, Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur, Bergen County Commissioner Germaine Ortiz, Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, Bergen County Commissioner Rafael Marte, and Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton stand with community members and religious leaders outside of Two Bergen County Plaza as the crescent is lit for the Month of Ramadan.
What's Related