(PATERSON, NJ) – Last night, the Islamic Center of Passaic County hosted Governor Murphy of the State of New Jersey in a town hall moderated by Sirius XM Radio Host Dean Obeidallah. The event garnered over 600 people in attendance, echoing the strength of the Muslim community’s ability to mobilize and effectively participate in important discussions around pertinent issues affecting the state, specifically middle class families.

The town hall, first of its kind in the state and perhaps the nation received high praise from leaders and organizers from the Passaic County Muslim community who thanked Governor Murphy for showing his support in the current political climate across the country and world:

“I want to express my gratitude to Governor Murphy for making history last night as the first Governor in New Jersey to ever host a Town Hall is not afraid to fight the battles that need to be fought in order to make New Jersey a state that works for all us. As a regular congregant of the Islamic Center of Passaic County I was also very proud to see a capacity crowd that truly looked like the State of New Jersey come out to hear the Governor speech on his agenda for the middle class.”  –  Assad Akhter, Passaic County Freeholder

“Governor Murphy’s town hall Meeting at the Islamic Center of Passaic County send the opposite signal from what President Trump is sending. He is sending a message inline with our values as a nation of tolerance and acceptance. We salute him for his leadership.” – Mohamed T. Khairullah, Mayor of Prospect Park

“The Governor’s town hall showed his clear commitment to fighting for the middle class and helping working families in the City of a Paterson and the State of New Jersey.” – Alaa Abdelaziz, Paterson 6th Ward Councilman and Paterson Democratic Committee Co-Leader

“What a profound statement of support to have Governor Murphy present at this event.  For a community still mourning the aftermath of New Zealand, simply being present sincerely reaffirms our sense of belonging.” – Salim Patel, Passaic Councilman

“It was a great event, it speaks highly for the community – not just the Muslim community, but the community of the State of NJ. All this while the aftermath of New Zealand.” – Fahim Abedrabbo, Clifton Board of Education Commissioner

“The Governors town hall at the Islamic center of Passaic county was a historic event for our center and our community. It was the first time a sitting governor held a town hall in an Islamic Center, cementing Muslim voices in American civic discourse” – Nadia Kahf, Wayne Democratic Committee Co-Leader and Board of Trustees Vice-Chair – ICPC

“Last night was a historic event at ICPC and once again showed that Muslim Americans are an integral part of the fabric of American society.” – Salaheddin Mustafa, Outreach Director, ICPC