BERGEN COUNTY CELEBRATES RAMADAN WITH GRAND IFTAR AND CRESCENT LIGHTING
Recognizes the Month of Ramadan and the Contributions of Bergen County’s Muslim Community
PARAMUS, NJ – On Monday, March 9, 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 Bergen Community College in Paramus.
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, compassion, 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 Little Stars of the Muslim Community of Dumont.
Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III delivered remarks to the audience:
“During this sacred time, you feed the hungry, care for the poor, and extend kindness to those around you. It is a month where strangers are no longer strangers. These practices, which guide the very spirit of Islam, make our County a more compassionate place every single day,” said County Executive Tedesco. “Let us all live our lives in the way that Ramadan encourages us to- spreading light, charity, and kindness everywhere we go. May the light of this crescent spread across our community and bring lasting peace throughout the world.” continued Tedesco.
Interfaith prayers for peace were given by Reverend Mason Jenkins of The Valley Hospital.
The ceremony was opened with the lighting of the crescent in the gymnasium of Bergen Community College, where the evening Maghrib prayer was also offered- led by Imam Sadiq Tahir of Minhaj-Ul-Quran in Hackensack.
On reflecting on the evening, Commissioner Rafael Marte said, “Our Muslim community is a cornerstone of Bergen County, and we are grateful for all they contribute. We were proud to host them for this celebration of Ramadan as we broke bread together and commemorated this time of reflection, unity, and gratitude.”
Food and refreshments were kindly donated by the Bergen County Islamic Center, the Cultural Society of Bergen County, the Eid Committee of New Jersey, El-Zahra Islamic Center in Midland Park, Minhaj-Ul-Quran in Hackensack, and Nida-Ul Islam in Teaneck.
Photo Caption: Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton, Bergen County Commissioner Rafael Marte, Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amoroso, Bergen County Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Tracy Zur, Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III, Bergen County Commissioner Germaine Ortiz, and District 37 Assemblywoman Shama Haider stand with community members and religious leaders in the gymnasium of Bergen Community College as the crescent is lit for the Month of Ramadan.
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