Members of the Marlton Muslim Families nonprofit pose with township council at a Jan. 22 meeting.
Evesham council cited Muslim Heritage Month at its regular meeting held on Jan. 22.
The group Marlton Muslim Families attended the session and accepted the proclamation. The local nonprofit was founded in 2023 and encourages the township’s Muslim community through interfaith relations, civic engagement and education.
“Being Catholic, I wasn’t really exposed to much in the Muslim faith (growing up),” recalled Mayor Jackie Veasy. “So I appreciate being able to learn and grow (as well as) all that you give to the community. I’m glad that we’re here to honor you this evening and honor Muslim Heritage Month, and I look forward to the Ramadan Crescent Moon (lighting ceremony) this year.”
The proclamation Veasy read highlighted Muslim contributions and anti-Muslim rhetoric, and encouraged residents to learn more about the faith.
“Islam is one of the world’s fastest-growing faiths, with Muslims representing an estimated 1.9 billion people, or nearly a quarter of the global population,” the document noted. “Honoring diversity amongst our citizens strengthens our collective efforts to fulfill the core values of liberty and equality that define America and New Jersey.
“Muslims both globally and within the United States form a racially and culturally rich community that is united by shared conviction such as honesty, justice, and respect.”
The proclamation also noted the role of Muslims in advancing society and in fields such as science, business, the arts, culture, technology and national security.
“In an effort to dispel past and present prejudice, discrimination, xenophobia and Islamophobia to reaffirm the opposition of anti-Muslim rhetoric,” Veasy read, “it is imperative to reinforce education efforts concerning the faith and promote the celebration of the cultural heritage and religious traditions of our Muslim neighbors.”
The next council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
