In Montgomery Township, an Eid Celebration Defined by Local Support

The Montgomery News Staff | July 15, 2026

The Rahma Center and the Montgomery NJ Muslim community gathered to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on a quiet Wednesday in late May, amid a spirit of faith, gratitude, and unity. In an era where faith-based communities across the United States navigate a landscape of growing trepidation, the atmosphere in Montgomery felt markedly different—defined by a deliberate, visible embrace of local security and neighborly grace.

The celebration was more than a religious milestone; it was a testament to a burgeoning partnership between the township’s Muslim residents, the community, and the local police department. Under the direction of Police Chief Silvio Bet, a quiet police presence helped ensure a safe and welcoming environment for worshippers and their families.

Montgomery Township police officers with community members at Eid.

Photo courtesy of the Montgomery Police Department.

While Chief Bet noted there were no credible threats, the proactive measures were a signal of the department's broader philosophy: that all residents have the right to worship freely. Officers attended out of an abundance of caution to provide reassurance and visible support during the celebration.

“The Montgomery Township Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all members of our community, including those gathering for religious observances and prayer services,” Chief Bet said. “Together, we will continue to stand against hate and uphold the values of safety, respect, and unity that define our community.”

For Tufail Tahir, a Rahma Center board member, this official support offered more than just peace of mind.

“At a time when faith-based communities face growing concerns,” Tahir said, “the township’s visible support reflects the values of inclusion that make us strong.”

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This local cohesion is perhaps most visible in the Rahma Center’s unusual home. Lacking a permanent structure of its own, the organization has borrowed space in the Blawenburg Reformed Church's Cook Hall and the Montgomery Municipal Center (the Somerset County Library program room) — to accommodate the five daily prayers.

The spirit of collaboration extends beyond shared walls. Earlier this year, Montgomery faith leader Samira Ghani of the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton partnered with the Arts Council of Princeton to host an interfaith event themed “Love Thy Neighbor,” bringing together religious leaders from diverse faith traditions as they shared what “loving thy neighbor” means in their faith and how each of us can bring this sacred practice into daily life. The event British Hi tea, local artists showcasing inspiring creations, and reflections with guided dialogue. Faith leaders from the Montgomery United Methodist Church, and Congregation Kehilat Shalom, attended.

Also, Ghani arranged an interfaith potluck Iftar dinner at at the Montgomery United Methodist Church in February. Iftar is the meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their fast during Ramadan. Neighbors and local faith leaders representing multiple religions shared vegetarian meals for an evening of "connection, compassion, and shared purpose."

Such efforts are central to the missions of all faiths involved. The events typically have focused on common charitable initiatives such as stocking soup kitchens and and distributing hygiene kits, alongside gaining a better understanding of each others’ religious functions.

Tahir further thanked the police and community leaders for their support of inclusion. "It makes our township strong," he said.

Despite the success of these partnerships, the community’s eyes are on the horizon. The long-term goal remains the establishment of a permanent Muslim home within Montgomery—a dedicated hub that would allow the growing congregation to expand its social and charitable footprint. For now, however, the strength of the community is measured not in brick and mortar, but in the relationships forged between the pulpit, the mosque, community leaders, and the police cruiser — reinforcing a shared resilience against the tides of bias and intolerance.