Woodbridge proclaims January as Muslim Heritage Month; residents and students speak on inclusion

Mayor John McCormick opened the Woodbridge Township Council meeting by proclaiming January as Muslim Heritage Month in the township and in New Jersey, and invited community leaders to speak about local outreach.

"We're here tonight to celebrate, Muslim heritage month in Woodbridge Township," Mayor John McCormick said, noting mosque-led vaccine clinics and food drives during the pandemic as examples of local service.

Jose Omarzai, introduced by the mayor as a primary community contact at the mosque, described the mosque's emphasis on service. "It's really a team effort," Omarzai said, adding that mosque volunteers step up for vaccination clinics and other drives that serve residents in need.

Raishma Ali of the Human Rights Commission, who said she brought her children to the event, welcomed the proclamation and described the commission's monthly work on access to health care, housing and grievance processes. "I'm very excited about the Muslim Proclamation Day," Ali said, adding that the recognition helps people feel they belong.

Students from JFK High School also addressed the council. One student, Zena, said her school and extracurricular activities have focused on diversity months and that participating in a local campaign reinforced her interest in civic work. "Working on the campaign was a big thing for me," she said.

Council members praised the town's growing diversity and framed the proclamation as an educational opportunity. The mayor presented the proclamation and council members paused for a pledge and a group photo to mark the recognition.