CAIR-NJ Welcomes Genocide-Recognition Resolution, Urges NJ Congressional Reps’ Support

(NEWARK, NJ – 11/18/2025) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today calls on New Jersey representatives to support H.R. 876, the “Resolution Recognizing the Genocide of the Palestinian People in Gaza.”

SEE: Tlaib Introduces Resolution Recognizing the Genocide of the Palestinian People in Gaza

Championed by Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), the resolution calls for the United States to meet its binding obligations under the Genocide Convention by halting all relevant arms and equipment transfers to Israel; supporting international investigations into individuals and corporations implicated in genocide; complying with the orders of the International Court of Justice and the work of the International Criminal Court; and imposing lawful, targeted sanctions on those responsible for committing or facilitating genocidal acts.

ACTION ALERT: Call on NJ Reps to support Rep. Tlaib’s historic resolution

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Government Affairs Associate Maheen Mumtaz said:

“New Jerseyans deserve better than electeds who vote to spend their tax dollars on weapons transfers to a violent military occupation overseas instead of helping the every day lives of their constituents.

“The recognition of the genocide in Gaza, and subsequent actions, are just the beginning – New Jersey’s incoming Governor Mikie Sherril, its state legislature, and local governments should introduce similar resolutions condemning the genocide and taking action against apartheid.”

CLICK HERE: Read the Resolution 

CAIR-NJ applauds Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), as well as 19 other representatives from other states who co-sponsored Rep. Tlaib’s resolution.

CAIR-NJ calls on New Jersey members of Congress to support the measure and on Sens. Andy Kim and Cory Booker to introduce a companion resolution in the Senate.

The resolution is sponsored by Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) and co-sponsored by:  Becca Balint (VT-AL); André Carson (IN-07) Greg Casar (TX-35); Maxine Dexter (OR-03); Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10); Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04); Al Green (TX-09); Pramila Jayapal (WA-07); Henry “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04); Ro Khanna (CA-17); Summer Lee (PA-12); Jim McGovern (MA-02); Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14); Ilhan Omar (MN-05); Mark Pocan (WI-02); Ayanna Pressley (MA-07); Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03); Lateefah Simon (CA-12); Nydia Velázquez (NY-07); and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

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

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

CAIR-NJ, Partners Host Successful 6th Annual Muslim Day of Advocacy at New Jersey State House

(TRENTON, NJ, 11/13/2025) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), in partnership with Linda Sarsour, Shaun King and several community organizations, successfully hosted the 6th Annual Muslim Day of Advocacy (MDA) today at the New Jersey State House in Trenton.

Some 100 Muslim leaders, activists, students and community members from across the state to engage directly with their elected representatives and advocate for key legislative priorities affecting Muslim and allied communities.

PHOTOS

“The strong turnout and energy at this year’s Muslim Day of Advocacy show that our community is deeply committed to engaging in the democratic process and standing up for justice in New Jersey,” said Maheen Mumtaz, CAIR-NJ Government Affairs Associate. 

This year’s legislative agenda focused on:

• Opposing the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which would restrict free speech and the right to critique the Israeli government for its genocidal policies;
• Supporting the Immigrant Trust Act, which seeks to strengthen trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement; and
• Supporting the New Jersey Voting Rights Act, which aims to expand and protect equitable access to the ballot box.

Attendees engaged with their representatives and highlighted how their daily lives are directly affected by the issues on the legislative agenda.

Guest speakers Linda Sarsour and Shaun King also attended, calling on community members to continue building political power and advocating for justice through civic engagement across New Jersey.

In a statement, Sarsour said:

“We can be unequivocal in our commitment to fight antisemitism and also reject any attempts to push the IHRA definition as a way to suppress free speech. Muslim American residents of New Jersey are upholding the Constitution and the fundamental right to free speech. As Americans, we should be allowed to use our voice to criticize Israel for its human rights abuses against the Palestinian people.”

In a statement, King said:

“Today, Muslims from across New Jersey traveled to Trenton to let their representatives know that they will not sit idly by and have their free speech rights trampled in the rush to define anti-Semitism so broadly that one is effectively banned from speaking out against injustice and oppression if committed by the State of Israel or on behalf of Zionists. This is just wrong. As Muslims, we will always fight for the rights of our Jewish sisters and brothers to be safe and protected. But IHRA is not that, and you’d struggle to find one free speech expert that disagrees.”

Partnering organizations included: CAIR Action NJ, ICNA Council for Social Justice, Emgage Action NJ, Muslim Civic Action NJ, Palestinian American Community Center, American Muslims for Palestine NJ, Indian American Muslim Council and New Jersey Muslim Voice for Progress.

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

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

CAIR-NJ Condemns Appearance of Indicted Israeli War Criminal Yoav Gallant in Livingston, NJ

(NEWARK, NJ, 11/12/2025) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the appearance of former Israeli official and indicated war criminal Yoav Gallant at a speaking engagement held Tuesday in Livingston, New Jersey, citing his complicity in war crimes stemming from the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Gallant, who formerly served as Israel’s Minister of Defense between 2022 and 2024, has been accused by international human rights organizations of playing a leading role in the ongoing atrocities committed against Palestinians in Gaza.

READ: U.S. Police Use Force Against Protesters at Event Featuring Former Israeli Defense Minister

[NOTE: Last year, CAIR’s national office applauded the International Criminal Court (ICC) decision to reject outside pressure and issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza genocide.]

Dozens of peaceful protesters gathered outside the Synagogue-Suburban Torah Center to denounce Gallant’s appearance and to call for accountability for the more than 69,000 people killed in the US-backed Israeli genocide of Gazans. Police reportedly used extreme force to disperse protesters during the demonstration, resulting in several confrontations between law enforcement and attendees.

READ: Protest Planned as Ex-Israeli Defense Chief Speaks in North Jersey

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant for Gallant’s arrest on charges related to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. CAIR-New Jersey is calling on people of conscience, elected officials and community members to oppose Gallant’s presence in New Jersey and to refrain from attending or legitimizing any event featuring him.

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

“Yoav Gallant’s appearance in New Jersey is a moral failure. Providing a public platform to a figure indicted for war crimes sends a dangerous message that Palestinian lives are disposable and that accountability does not matter.

“Communities across New Jersey are grieving the loss of thousands of their loved ones slaughtered by Israel in Gaza. Those responsible for such heinous crimes should not be welcome to speak at events with no regard for the suffering they caused. That is unacceptable.

“We call on local institutions, venues and public officials to reflect on what values they uphold when they extend such invitations. Our communities deserve leaders and speakers who champion justice, not impunity.”

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

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

MEDIA ADVISORY

CAIR-NJ, Partners to Host 6th Annual Muslim Day of Advocacy at State House in Trenton

CAIR-NJ Joins Broad Coalition to Oppose Anti-Free Speech Bill

MEDIA ADVISORY:

CAIR-NJ to Join Allies Again to Oppose Anti-Free Speech IHRA at NJ State House

(TRENTON, NJ, 11/05/25) – On Thursday, Nov. 6, CAIR-NJ will join a coalition of civil rights organizations and grassroots advocates will hold a press conference at the New Jersey State House to oppose Assembly Bill A3558, which seeks to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into state law.

The IHRA definition is dangerous because it conflates legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies with antisemitism and threatens free speech protections, particularly for those advocating for Palestinian human rights. Advocates will call on lawmakers to reject the bill and defend the constitutional right to political advocacy and dissent.

READ: CAIR & CAIR Action’s Factsheet: “Voices of Resistance Against the IHRA Definition and the Antisemitism Awareness Act.”

WHAT: Press Conference Opposing A3558 and the IHRA Definition in New Jersey

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 6 at 9 a.m. ET

WHERE: 131 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608

WHO: New Jersey-based rights advocacy groups, including American Association of University Professors–American Federation of Teachers Rutgers Chapter (Rutgers AAUP-AFT); American Muslims for Palestine NJ; CAIR Action NJ; Ceasefire Now NJ; Climate Revolution Action Network; Council on American Islamic Relations NJ (CAIR-NJ); Emgage Action; Faith in NJ; Greater Trenton Democratic Socialists of America; Green Party of New Jersey; IfNotNow New Jersey; Jewish Voice for Peace of Northern NJ; Jews for Palestinian Right of Return; Make the Road NJ; New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice; New Jersey Appleseed Public Interest Law Center; New Jersey Citizen Action; New Jersey Peace Action; NJ Anti-Zionist Minyan; NJ Working Families Alliance; NJEA Educators for Palestine; PAL-Awda NY/NJ; Palestinian American Community Center; Resistencia En Accion NJ; Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union; South Jersey Jews for Gaza; and South Jersey Progressive Dems.

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

READ: By Adopting the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism, Universities are Sacrificing Academic Freedom

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

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CAIR-NJ Thanks Muslim Community for Voter Turnout in 2025 General Election

(Newark, NJ, 11/05/2025) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today thanked Muslims across the state who voted, whether it was during the early period, via mail or on Election Day.

CAIR-NJ also congratulated Muslim candidates who won their elections on Tuesday. CAIR-NJ said it looks forward to working with all New Jersey elected officials on the pressing issues that shape the daily lives of Muslims across the state, including anti-Muslim bigotry, free speech, and safe, bully-free schools for everyone.

SEE: NJ Election Results — NJ.com

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said,

“We applaud every member of our community who voted to make their voice heard. Your commitment to democratic practices is crucial at a time where democratic processes are under attack. Our votes in New Jersey help push this state in a better direction.

“We are also proud of Muslim candidates who showed determination and leadership and won their elections. Their wins are a testament to the strength of the Muslim community in New Jersey. 

“Thank you to the New Jersey Muslim community for heeding our calls to voter registration and casting ballots for justice.”  

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

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

CAIR-NJ Urges New Jersey Muslims to Vote on Election Day: Our Community’s Future Depends on Our Participation

(NEWARK, NJ – Nov. 4, 2025) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, is urging all New Jersey residents, especially members of the New Jersey Muslim community, to head to the polls today and make their voices heard in the 2025 General Election.

New Jersey voters will decide critical races, including the Governor’s office, all 80 seats in the General Assembly and numerous local and county offices across the state. Local school boards, municipal councils, and county leadership positions are also on the ballot.

SEE: New Jersey Gubernatorial: New Jersey gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2025 – Ballotpedia

SEE: New Jersey General Assembly: New Jersey General Assembly elections, 2025 – Ballotpedia

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

“This year’s general election is a powerful opportunity to safeguard our rights and ensure our community is represented at every level of government.

“At a time of rising anti-Muslim bias and political targeting of Muslim voices, our votes are our defense. They are a statement that New Jersey Muslims will not be marginalized or silenced. We vote to protect our freedoms, to support leaders who stand for justice and equity and to build a future where every community can live with dignity and security.”

“New Jersey is home to one of the largest and most diverse Muslim populations in the country. Muslim communities across the state, from Jersey City to Paterson and Edison to Cherry Hill,  play a vital role in shaping the state’s social, cultural and economic landscape. High turnout from Muslim voters can meaningfully influence statewide outcomes and send a clear message that the community is civically engaged and politically empowered.”

SEE: CAIR-NJ Voter Guide

VOTE: Nov. 4, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Find polling locations

New Jersey Voting Resources

• Check voter registration status
• Vote-by-Mail information
• Secure drop box locations
• Military and overseas voter information
• Voter rights and accessibility details
• County election official contacts

For full details, visit CAIR-NJ’s  Vote for Justice website or the New Jersey Division of Elections website.

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

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