Hameeduddin: Mayor Honored by Synagogue

Mayor Hameeduddin

A leading synagogue in New Jersey’s Teaneck town has honored the city’s Muslim mayor in recognition of his contributions to the community to dispel stereotypes and encourage harmony between different religious and ethnic groups, the NewJersey.com portal reported.

“He [Mayor Mohammed Hameeduddin] is a very dedicated public servant [and] he’s been a great advocate on behalf of his own community, the Muslim community,” Rabbi Nati Helfgot told NorthJersey.com.

“Professionally, he’s done so many things besides the political sphere…He’s a man of faith [and] a great friend to the Jewish community.”

Holding its 11th annual dinner, Netivot Shalom, a modern Orthodox synagogue in Teaneck honored Hameeduddin for his contributions to the community.

As part of the tribute, Hameeduddin received a rendering done by a Teaneck artist.

“This is a very humbling experience,” the mayor said in his speech.

“Teaneck as I know is a very special place.

“It’s very easy to be an observant Jew, [a] Muslim [or] in a minority community in this town because we’re an incubator for understanding,” he added.

Hameeduddin praised the synagogue’s understanding congregation.

“Netivot Shalom will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said.

“The symbolism of this shul, this community, and breaking down stereotypes really matters.

“I’m so grateful to this town and [its] Jewish community for all that it’s done to make it a better place for understanding.”

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