On June 23, 2026, the Bernards Township Council in New Jersey held a special meeting to honor the Moroccan national football team, the Atlas Lions. Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy and Mohamed Ait Bihi, Consul General of Morocco in New York, were present for the ceremony, which included the presentation of the key to the city to the team.
The resolution, passed unanimously by the council, recognizes the Atlas Lions' historic performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African and Arab team to reach the semifinals. The key to the city is a symbolic gesture of gratitude and respect for the team's achievements and their representation of Moroccan heritage.
Mayor Duarte McCarthy stated, 'We are proud to honor the Atlas Lions for their incredible sportsmanship and the pride they have brought to the Moroccan community in Bernards and beyond.' Consul General Ait Bihi accepted the honor on behalf of the team, thanking the township for its warm welcome and recognition.
The event also highlighted the strong ties between the Moroccan community in New Jersey and the local government. Bernards Township has a significant Moroccan-American population, and the council's action underscores the town's commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion.
