For Immediate Release

June 21, 2025

CAIR-NJ Condemns Trump’s Attack on Iran as ‘Illegal and Unjustified’ Act of War That Prioritizes Netanyahu Over American People

In a statement, CAIR-New Jersey Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:

“We strongly denounce Trump’s unlawful strike on Iran – a decision that serves Netanyahu’s interests rather than America’s. This dangerous move, taken without Congressional approval, threatens to pull the U.S. into another unnecessary war in the Middle East. It effectively ends diplomatic channels and may push Iran to abandon the Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty, potentially accelerating nuclear weapons development without IAEA oversight.”

“Despite Trump’s earlier promises to avoid wars, he’s now following the same destructive path of previous administrations by escalating tensions based on deception. We must end this aggression against Iran and withdraw support from Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.”

“We pray for the Iranian civilians caught in this conflict, and for the safety of U.S. personnel who may face repercussions. This dangerous escalation demands immediate action to restore peaceful diplomatic solutions.”

“Reckless, illegal, and unjustified. Americans do not want another war. We must move towards deescalation. May Allah bring an end to the violence and protect the innocent.”

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

END

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

• • Criticism of Israeli government policies
  • Advocacy for Palestinian rights
  • Academic discussions about Israel and Palestine
  • Political expression and protest activities

CAIR-NJ Welcomes Federal Judge’s Decision Ordering Release of Mahmoud Khalil

(NEWARK, NJ – 6/20/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today welcomed the immediate release of anti-genocide activist and legal U.S. resident Mahmoud Khalil from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention after months of unjust incarceration and litigation.

Judge Michael Farbiarz of the U.S. District Court for New Jersey concluded that the government’s attempt to continue to detain Khalil was “highly, highly, highly unusual,” according to news reports.

“There is at least something to the underlying claim that there is an effort to use the immigration charge here to punish Mr. Khalil,” Farbiarz said in ordering Khalil’s release. “And of course that would be unconstitutional.”

Friday’s ruling comes after Farbiarz ruled that Khalil’s arrest and detention over his anti-genocide activism at Columbia University was likely unconstitutional.

SEE: Judge orders release of Columbia activist Mahmoud Khalil — NPR 

In response to Khalil’s release order, CAIR-New Jersey Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:

“CAIR-New Jersey celebrates the federal court’s ruling on Mahmoud Khalil’s release and commends the tireless advocacy of his family, legal team and community who refused to stay silent in the face of injustice.

“Mahmoud’s detention was a cruel reminder of the way our immigration and legal systems continue to target and dehumanize Muslim, Arab and immigrant communities. Mahmoud deserves to be reunited with his family and his newborn son. 

“While we are relieved by today’s outcome, we remain deeply troubled by the conditions and policies that allowed this to happen in the first place. We demand systemic changes to ensure no one else suffers what Mahmoud and his family have endured.

“To be clear, this is not justice— yet. This is the bare minimum. 

“We will continue to rally behind Mahmoud and his right to free speech and human rights advocacy.”

Khalil led anti-war protests on Columbia’s campus last year, which made national headlines as university officials cracked down on students’ dissent against the ongoing US-backed Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

The 30-year-old is a legal U.S. permanent resident and is married to a U.S. citizen. His wife, His wife, Noor Abdalla, delivered their son in April in New York while Khalil was detained thousands of miles away in Jenna, Louisiana, after a judge denied his request to attend the delivery.

Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report “Unconstitutional Crackdowns,” which outlines how American Muslims continue to face disproportionate scrutiny in immigration and law enforcement systems. Khalil’s case is one of many reflecting a broader pattern of discrimination and civil rights violations.

CAIR-NJ remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of all immigrant and marginalized communities.

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

END

CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, aelamroussi@cair.com, 551-208-5482

Photo credit: A protest in support of Mahmoud Khalil, NYC, March 2025. Photo credit: Melissa Bender via Reuters Connect.

CAIR-NJ Encourages All Schools to Permit Cultural Displays at Graduations

(NEWARK, NJ – 6/19/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today encouraged all public and private schools to allow students to display their cultural identity as they celebrate a major milestone in one of the most diverse states in the country.

CAIR-New Jersey is calling on school officials across the state to permit students to wear displays of cultural attire and general identity, which is a prominent symbol of Palestinian and Arab culture dating back thousands of years.

SEE: Student says Pennsylvania high school forced them to remove keffiyeh at graduation ceremony

Roughly 25% of New Jersey’s population are immigrants or children of immigrants, making the Garden State one of the most diverse states in the U.S. It is imperative that school officials not only acknowledge but celebrate the display of New Jersey’s vibrant diversity, a core value that strengthens ties between communities and encourages inter-cultural awareness.

In a statement, CAIR-New Jersey Advocacy and Community Relations Associate Mousa Naji said:

“Graduation is a time for students to celebrate their achievements and embrace their identities. For many, wearing symbols of cultural pride—such as the keffiyeh—is not only a personal expression but a reflection of their heritage and a connection to their roots.

“Schools should be a place that fosters inclusivity, respect and appreciation for cultural diversity. By allowing students to proudly display symbols of their cultural identity, we send a message of acceptance, respect, and inclusivity.”

Recently, CAIR-New Jersey received complaints from students who were not permitted to wear their keffiyeh during graduations. The students said they felt targeted and singled out merely over exercising their right to expression.

Naji emphasized that school policies should reflect the rich diversity of the state’s student body, ensuring that every student is allowed to express themselves in a manner that honors their cultural history without fear of discrimination, retaliation or exclusion.

While the policies introduced after October 7, 2023, may appear to be fair and neutral, their true purpose is to suppress the expression of Palestinian identity and pride. Such bias is unacceptable and will be challenged by CAIR-NJ and local communities, Naji noted.

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

END

CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, aelamroussi@cair.com, 551-208-5482

Photo credit: AP

CAIR-NJ, Allies Urge NJ Reps to Denounce Israel’s Military Actions Against Iran

(NEWARK, NJ – 6/17/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), alongside a coalition of advocacy, faith, and civil rights organizations, today issued an open letter to the New Jersey Congressional Delegation condemning Israel’s strikes on Iran and urging an immediate shift toward diplomacy to prevent further escalation.

The coalition, including American Muslims for Palestine-New Jersey, Americans of Pakistani Heritage, Climate Revolution Action Network, Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) Council for Social Justice, Pax Christi New Jersey, and others warned that continued U.S. military support for Israel risks drawing The United States in a catastrophic wider war while enabling violations of international law.

The letter, dated June 17, was addressed to New Jersey’s representatives on Capitol Hill, stating, in part, “We unequivocally condemn these strikes and call for restored good-faith diplomatic negotiations as a path toward de-escalation. The United States must take immediate action to halt all military aid and weapons transfers that enable further violence. Continued support for Israel’s aggressive operations not only fuels war crimes but also risks entangling the U.S. in yet another prolonged conflict.”

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL LETTER

In a statement, CAIR-New Jersey Advocacy & Community Relations Associate Mousa Naji said:

“The recent Israeli strikes on Iran have escalated tensions to a dangerous level. The humanitarian impact is undeniable, with tens of thousands of civilians fleeing Tehran and widespread infrastructure damage. 

“The U.S. response, including the deployment of additional military assets and President Trump’s demand for Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender,’ signals a troubling commitment to military escalation over a diplomatic resolution. 

“As Americans, we must urge our elected representatives to prioritize diplomacy, halt all military aid that fuels further violence, and work toward a peaceful resolution that upholds international law and protects innocent lives.”

The letter stated the following demands to Congress:

• Publicly condemn Israel’s strikes on Iran as reckless and unprovoked
• Suspend all U.S. military aid enabling further violence
• Demand the Trump administration lead fair, multilateral peace efforts

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

END

CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, aelamroussi@cair.com, 551-208-5482

CAIR-NJ Condemns Israel’s Unprovoked Attack on Iran, Calls for Diplomatic Restoration  

(NEWARK, NJ –  6/13/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today condemned Israel’s unprovoked airstrikes on Iran and called for immediate diplomacy efforts to prevent further escalation and protect civilian lives.  

CAIR-NJ also urged all New Jersey residents to contact their congressional representatives and demand that the United States take immediate action to de-escalate the situation through diplomacy negotiations and prevent a broader regional war.  

CALL TO ACTION: Condemn Israel’s Strike, Restore Diplomatic Negotiations  

The airstrikes, confirmed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a unilateral Israeli operation, are a significant escalation in a pattern of military aggression that has resulted in widespread civilian casualties and destruction across the Middle East. 

Israel’s assault on Iran follows months of military operations in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, as well as its continued genocide in Gaza, where more than 55,000 Palestinians have been killed, including tens of thousands of women and children. 

SEE: How US politicians responded to Israel’s attacks on Iran 

In a statement, CAIR-New Jersey Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said: 

“The Israeli airstrikes on Iran are not isolated incidents—they are part of a dangerous pattern of aggression that threatens to engulf the entire region. The United States must take immediate action to prevent a broader war that could have catastrophic consequences for civilians. 

“U.S. military support for Israeli operations in Gaza and now in Iran raises serious ethical and legal concerns. We must question whether our tax dollars are being used to fuel violence and instability, rather than promoting peace and diplomacy. 

“As American Muslims, we are deeply affected by these developments. Our faith teaches us to stand against injustice and to advocate for the protection of all innocent lives, regardless of nationality or religion 

“We call on Congress to exercise its constitutional authority and demand an end to military actions that violate international law and endanger countless lives. Silence in the face of such actions is complicity.” 

CALL TO ACTION: Condemn Israel’s Strike, Restore Diplomatic Negotiations  

CAIR-NJ urges all New Jersey residents to take immediate action by contacting their members of Congress and demanding: 

• • Publicly condemn Israel’s unilateral military strikes
  • Suspend all U.S. military aid and weapons transfers to Israel
  • Pressure the White House to pursue real diplomacy, not unchecked militarism

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

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Website | YouTube 

END 

CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, aelamroussi@cair.com, 551-208-5482 

Photo: Israeli airstrikes hitting a building in Saadat Abad street in Tehran, Iran, on Friday. By Arash Khamooshi for The New York Times

1. Consult an Immigration Attorney: Seek qualified legal counsel to assess how this proclamation impacts your immigration status and explore appropriate legal responses.
2. Avoid Non-Essential Travel: Although the ban theoretically does not apply to lawful permanent residents and others with valid immigration status even if they are citizens of targeted countries, the administration’s separate attempts to target such immigrants based on their advocacy for Palestine remains a threat to travelers.
3. Maintain Documents Securely: Keep physical and digital copies of passports, visas, green cards, and employment authorization handy and secure.
4. Stay Informed of Your Rights: Review CAIR’s latest “Know Your Rights” resources for guidance on interactions with immigration officials and law enforcement.