(NEWARK, NJ – 11/27/2024) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today expressed its deep disappointment that Adeel Mangi will not advance in the nomination process for a seat on the U.S. Circuit Court.

SEE: Federal judge position won’t be filled by this NJ attorney who went to Harvard. Here’s why

Mangi, a highly respected attorney and legal expert, faced pointed and unfounded questions about his faith, political views, and supposed affiliations during his testimonies before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

SEE: CAIR Says Smears Targeting Adeel Mangi Highlight Danger of ‘Islamophobia and Witch-Hunts Over Palestine’

“We are deeply disappointed by the outcome and the unfair treatment that Adeel Mangi faced during his confirmation process,” said CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut. “Mangi is a highly qualified attorney with a long record of legal excellence and public service. His nomination was an opportunity to increase diversity on the federal bench, and yet his credentials were overshadowed by partisan and discriminatory attacks aimed at his religion and personal views. This is not only a setback for Mangi but for the principle of fairness in the judicial confirmation process.”

Mangi was nominated by President Joe Biden a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit, which encompasses New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the Virgin Islands. However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer noted Mangi didn’t have the votes to get confirmed. Mangi would have been the first Muslim American to sit on a federal appeals court.

Republican Senators targeted Mangi with bigoted questions regarding his stance on terrorism, antisemitism, and his views on the ongoing Palestinian genocide and the tragic events of September 11. These lines of questioning sought to undermine his nomination not based on his qualifications, but by attempting to tie him to controversial political issues and paint him as sympathetic to extremism due to his Muslim identity.

SEE: Trump gains ability to fill what would have been Mangi’s appellate judge seat under US Senate deal

While CAIR-NJ recognizes the importance of rigorous vetting processes, we strongly assert that questioning based on religion or ethnicity crosses a line into discrimination. Muslims, like all Americans, are entitled to serve their country without fear of being singled out or subjected to suspicion because of their faith.

To that end, CAIR-NJ calls on the Senate Judiciary Committee to uphold the principles of justice and fairness in all confirmation hearings, ensuring that individuals are evaluated based on their qualifications and character, rather than their religion or ethnicity. We also urge lawmakers to publicly denounce Islamophobic rhetoric and actions, and work to foster a climate of respect and inclusivity in all areas of public service.

CAIR’s mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

END

CONTACT: Selaedin Maksut, smaksut@cair.com, 908-267-3119

CAIR-NJ Commends US Sen. George Helmy For Calling out Israel’s Gaza Aid Blockade on Senate Floor

(NEWARK, NJ –11/20/2024) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today applauded interim US Sen. George Helmy for his strong stance on the Senate floor advocating for Palestinian human rights as the US-backed Israeli genocide nears the 14-month mark with no sign of a ceasefire.

Interim US Sen. George Helmy of New Jersey, the only Arab American in the Senate, took to the Senate Floor on Monday to deliver a poignant plea to his fellow Senators, highlighting the devastating toll of the conflict in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.

Helmy described visiting Jordan recently and seeing an extensive blockade that has resulted in the prevention of critical aid from entering Gaza and the West Bank.

“This blockade has severely restricted the amounts of aid that make it to desperate Palestinians whose lives depend upon it,” Helmy said. “The blockade has prevented the safe transport of those supplies into Gaza and the West Bank, where just miles away, women, children, and families are literally starving.”

SEE: Transcript of Sen. Helmy’s Senate Floor Speech
SEE: Video of Sen. Helmy Calling Out Israel’s Aid Blockade

 The blockade enforced by the Israeli government is at the only viable point of entrance for aid to Gaza and the West Bank, gutting a critical artery for humanitarian support.

Although Helmy fell short of unequivocally naming US-backed Israel as the perpetrator of aid blockade and war crimes in Palestine and Lebanon, CAIR-New Jersey recognizes the Senator’s efforts to advocate for Palestinian human rights.

“We welcome Sen. George Helmy speech addressing the utter devastation in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. His acknowledgment of the profound suffering endured by civilians and his emphasis on the urgent need for unobstructed humanitarian aid reflect a deep commitment to human rights and justice, CAIR-NJ Government Affairs Manager Nancy Elbassiouny said.

“Sen. Helmy’s call for a compassionate and strategic approach to the ongoing violence in the Middle East underscores the importance of prioritizing the protection of innocent lives and ensuring hope for the future of all affected communities.” Elbassiouny added.

CAIR-NJ ACTION ALERT: Tell your US Sens. to vote YES on Blocking Weapons to Israel

The US-backed Israeli assault on Palestine and Lebanon has had a harrowing toll on communities both at home and abroad.

More than 44,000 Palestinians have been slaughtered and another 3,500 were killed in Lebanon by relentless Israeli bombardments.

New Jersey, specifically Passaic County, is home to one of the largest Palestinian communities in the U.S. Muslims make up about 3% of the Garden State’s population, roughly 300,000 people.

To that end, CAIR-New Jersey rejects Sen. Helmy’s description of the ongoing genocide and violence as “humanitarian crisis” because it does not accurately contextualize the perpetrators causing the suffering of millions of people. Palestine and Lebanon are under continuous attacks by Israel, whose military is funded by American tax dollars.

CAIR-NJ reiterates its calls to the Biden administration to stop sending weapons to Israel and demands a complete ceasefire in Palestine and Lebanon. We also urge all New Jersey residents to contact their U.S. Senators and urge them to vote “yes” on Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block more than $20 billion in illegal U.S. weapons sales to Israel.

CAIR’s mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

END

CONTACT: Aya Elamroussi, aelamroussi@cair.com, 551-208-5482

CAIR-NJ Urges House Representatives to Oppose H.R. 9495 – A Dangerous Threat to Civil Society Organizations 

(NEWARK, NJ – 11/12/ 2024) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today calls on members of the House of Representatives to vote against H.R. 9495, which would grant any future administration’s Secretary of the Treasury permission to revoke the nonprofit tax status of religious and advocacy organizations without justification, charges or due process.

Introduced in September 2024, H.R. 9495 seeks to revoke the tax-exempt status of organizations that provide material support to groups designated as terrorist organizations. However, the bill’s vague language opens the door to potential overreach by the executive branch, targeting nonprofits and NGOs based on secretive and unaccountable criteria.

CAIR supports the primary goal of H.R. 9495—to postpone tax deadlines and reimburse late fees for U.S. nationals wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad. However, the legislation is tainted by a provision allowing for the termination of nonprofit tax status, which draws from the text of H.R. 6408 and S. 4136. These companion bills, introduced earlier this year, represent a deliberate attempt to stifle criticism of Israel and advocacy for Palestinian human rights.

“We are deeply concerned about the second part of this bill, which grants excessive power to the Treasury Department to revoke the tax-exempt status of organizations. This provision could unjustly affect nonprofit organizations, especially those advocating for issues like Palestine,” said Selaedin Maksut, CAIR-NJ’s Executive Director. “The bill undermines due process, jeopardizes the essential work of nonprofits, and creates a chilling effect on free speech and advocacy.”

Today’s House vote on H.R. 9495 uses an expedited process under suspension of the rules, meaning there will be limited debate and no amendments. CAIR-NJ is urging all concerned citizens to contact their representatives immediately and urge them to vote against this harmful bill.

More than 120 civil liberties, religious, immigrant rights, human rights, racial justice, environmental, and educational organizations have already voiced their opposition to the bill, citing its potential to harm the integrity of civil society. CAIR-NJ urges its supporters to contact their House representatives and demand they vote NO on H.R. 9495.

H.R. 9495 key concerns:

• Excessive Power and Lack of Oversight: The bill grants the Treasury Secretary sweeping authority to target and revoke nonprofit tax-exempt status based on vague or secretive information, threatening due process and transparency.
•  Chilling Effect on Advocacy: Organizations may hesitate to engage in legitimate advocacy or provide essential services due to the fear of losing their tax-exempt status.
• Impact on Vulnerable Communities: The bill risks destabilizing vital support networks for marginalized communities, particularly those who rely on nonprofits for advocacy and resources.

CAIR’s mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

END 

CONTACT: Aya Elamroussi, aelamroussi@cair.com, 551-208-5482

CAIR-NJ Thanks Muslim Community For Voter Turnout, Reiterates Calls For Middle East Ceasefire

(Newark, NJ, 11/06/2024) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today thanks Muslim voters across the state for casting their ballots in this historic general election despite the community’s deep frustration with the two-party candidates.

In the meantime, the Biden-Harris administration still has the power to end the genocide in Gaza and the harrowing war in Lebanon. CAIR-NJ reiterates its calls on President Biden to stop sending weapons to Israel and demands a complete ceasefire in Palestine and Lebanon.

“We commend every member of our community who made their voice heard by voting. Your commitment to the democratic process is crucial in shaping policies and representation at every level,” said CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut. “Our votes reflect our dedication to building a better tomorrow, not only here in New Jersey but globally.”

CAIR-NJ urges President Biden to use his final weeks in the oval office to end the genocidal violence in Gaza and secure a ceasefire in Lebanon.

“We call on President Biden to immediately cease all funding that contributes to the devastation in Palestine and Lebanon,” Maksut said. “The lives of countless civilians are at stake, and we need decisive leadership to end the suffering and support diplomatic solutions rather than violence. President Biden still has the power to impact these conflicts, and we ask him to make a commitment to peace during these final weeks of his presidency.”

CAIR’s mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

END

CONTACT: Aya Elamroussi, aelamroussi@cair.com, 551-208-5482

CAIR-NJ Encourages Muslims to Vote on Election Day

(Newark, NJ, 11/05/2024) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today encouraged Muslims to exercise their right to vote on Election Day.

The Vote for Justice campaign by CAIR-NJ provides New Jersey’s Muslim community with essential resources, including details on early voting, mail-in ballots, key election dates, and CAIR-NJ’s Congressional Scorecard. This initiative aims to support informed voting and promote civic engagement amongst American-Muslims.

See: Vote for Justice Campaign and Voting Information

See: CAIR-NJ Congressional Scorecard

Election Day: Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Polling Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Vote-by-Mail: Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or dropped off at designated drop boxes before polls close.

“We commend the unwavering dedication of our community members who have already cast their votes and shown up for our shared future,” said CAIR-NJ’s Executive Director Selaedin Maksut,“But our work isn’t finished. We understand the frustration many feel as we witness injustices globally and domestically, and as a community, we are a powerful force when we stand united at the polls.”

“Our vote are our voice, and each ballot cast is a step toward the representation, justice, and positive change we seek. From school boards to Congress, these elections shape policies that impact our daily lives and the causes we care deeply about. Let’s show up for justice, for our values, and for a brighter future for us all.”

To find polling locations, or access voting FAQs, visit CAIR-NJ’s Vote for Justice page here.

CAIR’s mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

END 

CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut,  Smaksut@cair.com, 862-264-9414