An American Muslim of Indian origin has been elected as the mayor of a Jewish dominated township in New Jersey, across the Hudson river from New York.
Mohammed Hameeduddin, whose roots have been traced to Hyderabad city in south India, has become one of the few Muslim mayors in the United States. He was elected the mayor of Teaneck Township in New Jersey last week, following a
fierce debate among its council members.
Hameeduddin, who won a council seat two years ago, earned five out of seven votes at the annual reorganisation of township government on July 1. It also elected Adam Gussen, a devout orthodox Jew, as the Deputy Mayor.
"No where else is this possible," the newly elected mayor was quoted as saying by ABC News.
"The opportunity to bring two communities together and break down stereotypes that have belittled our nation is both monumental and humbling," he said.