July 2026 – CAIR NJ

July 23, 2026July 29, 2026 Naureen Akhter

CAIR-NJ Urges Vigilance Following Harassment Targeting NJ Mosques and Uptick in anti-Muslim Rhetoric and Violence

CAIR-NJ Urges Vigilance Following Harassment Targeting NJ Mosques and Uptick in anti-Muslim Rhetoric and Violence

NEWARK, N.J. (July 23, 2026) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) is urging mosques across the state to remain vigilant following a recent increase in reported incidents of anti-Muslim harassment targeting New Jersey mosques. This comes amidst an increase in anti-Muslim rhetoric from elected officials and violent attacks against mosques nationally.

Over the past few weeks, CAIR-NJ has received reports from four different New Jersey mosques describing targeted harassment, including threatening phone calls, hate mail, and incidents of physical intimidation. Law enforcement authorities also alerted CAIR-NJ that six additional mosques had received similar targeted harassment.

CAIR-NJ is encouraging all Muslim institutions to take these incidents seriously, document any suspicious activity, and promptly report all incidents to both local law enforcement and CAIR-NJ.

SEE: Anti-Islamic rhetoric from GOP politicians sparks concerns over religious hatred

SEE: San Diego Mosque Shooting Marks a Deadly First in the United States

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Public Affairs Director Naureen Akhter said:

“If your mosque experiences any form of harassment, whether it appears minor or severe, we encourage you to immediately file a police report and notify CAIR-NJ so we can provide support, monitor trends, and advocate for an appropriate response.”

“The recent rise in harassment targeting New Jersey mosques comes amid an increasingly hostile climate fueled by anti-Muslim rhetoric from elected officials and public figures across the country. When our political leaders demonize Islam and Muslims without consequence, they risk normalizing prejudice and emboldening those willing to intimidate or target our communities.

“We are seeing the effects of that hostility play out here in New Jersey, and we are especially concerned in light of the shooting at a mosque in San Diego, which underscores the real-world dangers that can follow.”

“No house of worship should have to fear intimidation or harassment. Our office is working closely with community leaders and authorities to ensure these incidents are addressed and our communities remain safe.”

SEE: CAIR’s Muslim Community Safety Kit

This CAIR guide provides practical guidance on improving security, responding to incidents, and protecting congregations.

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

END

CONTACT: Public Affairs Director Naureen Akhter, nakhter@cair.com, 908-921-1238

Announcements

July 17, 2026 Naureen Akhter

Community Advisory: Reports of Increased Harassment Targeting New Jersey Mosques

COMMUNITY ADVISORY: Reports of Increased Harassment Targeting New Jersey Mosques

(07/17/26 — NEWARK, NJ) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) is advising mosques, Islamic centers and other Muslim-identifying institutions across New Jersey to be vigilant amid an increase in reported harassment.

In recent days, four different mosques in New Jersey have reported targeted harassment to CAIR-NJ – including phone calls, hate mail, and physical intimidation. Just this morning, we were alerted by authorities to 6 additional mosques receiving targeted harassment.

If you or your mosque has been subject to any anti-Muslim harassment, big or small, report it to CAIR-NJ and immediately file a police report. If the caller has a 551 area code, please note that in your report.

SEE: CAIR’s Muslim Community Safety Kit

Best practices for mosque security:

Build good relationships with neighbors of the mosque. Invite them to visit your center.
Try to have people attend the mosque as much as possible. Activity deters perpetrators.
Make an appointment with the community relations officer of your local police department to tour your center and make suggestions on improving mosque security.
Request additional police patrols in the vicinity of your center. Special attention should be paid to times of darkness and during prayers.
Consider creating a security committee at your mosque.
Post mosque members at entrances and parking areas during prayer times.
Report suspicious packages to police. Do not touch them.
Install perimeter floodlights outside the mosque.
Install fire and burglar alarm systems.
Replace hollow core doors with more secure solid doors.
Install burglarproof bars on screens and large vents. (Note – Research local ordinances before beginning security renovations. For example, window bars should not limit evacuation in case of fire.)
Trim shrubs and vines to reduce areas of concealment.
Participate in neighborhood watch programs.
Document descriptions of suspicious people or vehicles.
Make duplicates of all important papers, computer disks and records.
Remove potential fire hazards, such as trash and debris.
Consider installing security cameras.

Responding to bomb threats

Distribute written instructions on handling bomb threats.
Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask that the message be repeated. Record or write down everything that is said.
Ask for the location of the bomb.
Inform the caller that the detonation of a bomb could hurt many innocent people.
Pay attention to background noises such as music, which may give a clue to the caller’s location.
Listen closely to the caller’s voice. Make note of accents, voice quality (calm, excited) or speech impediments.
Report the threat immediately to the local police, ATF and FBI. Have appropriate phone numbers listed in written instructions.
If the threat comes in the form of a letter, save all materials, including the envelope. Handle the letter as little as possible.
Search the interior and exterior of the mosque. Evacuate the building if a suspicious package or device is found.

Suspect letters and packages

What to look for:

Name and title of addressee are not accurate.
No return address, or the sender is not known to the addressee.
Handwriting is distorted.
Unprofessionally wrapped, uneven, bulky, lopsided.
Contains bulges or soft spots.
Poorly wrapped package is marked “Fragile: Handle With Care,” “Rush,” or has unusual restrictions such as “Personal” or “Private.”
Excess amount of postage.
Protruding wires or tin foil.
Package makes a buzzing or ticking noise, a sloshing sound, or emits an odor.

What to do:

DON’T open the package or letter.
DON’T put it in water or in a confined space such as a drawer.
DO isolate the article and secure the immediate area.
DO open windows if possible to help vent potential explosive gases.
DO contact your local police department and postal inspector.

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

Press Releases

July 16, 2026 Norguia De La Torre

CAIR-NJ Commends New Jersey Members of Congress Who Voted to End $3.3 Billion for Israeli Military’s Crimes, Calls Other Members “Complicit in Genocide”

CAIR-NJ Commends New Jersey Members of Congress Who Voted to End $3.3 Billion for Israeli Military’s Crimes, Calls Other Members “Complicit in Genocide”

(NEWARK, NJ – 7/16/2026) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today commended Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Analilia Mejia for voting to oppose $3.3 billion in new funding for the Israeli government and strongly condemned the votes by the remaining nine members of the state’s congressional delegation to maintain the funding.

Those voting to maintain the funding were Representatives Frank Pallone, Donald Norcross, Herb Conaway, Christopher Smith, Thomas Kean, Jr., Jeff Van Drew, Josh Gottheimer, Robert Menendez, and Nellie Pou. The House of Representatives ultimately failed to pass Amendment No. 8 to H.R. 8595, offered by Rep. Thomas Massie, in a 104-314 vote. However, a record number of members voted against the funding, including a majority of Democrats.

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

“We commend Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Analilia Mejia for voting to stop the waste of American taxpayer dollars on the Israeli government’s crimes and we strongly condemn the 9 members of our state’s congressional delegation who voted to continue our nation’s complicity in genocide.

“Although today’s vote to end $3.3 billion in taxpayer funding for the Israeli apartheid government did not pass, more members of Congress than ever before—including a majority of Democrats—voted to stop enabling Israeli war crimes that have killed tens of thousands of innocent people, many of them children, and caused a severe humanitarian catastrophe.

“Lawmakers are gradually catching up to the American public, which does not want elected officials to spend their taxpayer dollars on killing children and families across the Middle East. Americans across the political spectrum have engaged their representatives and demanded support for advancing American interests and values, not the whims of the Israeli government.

“The movement for justice must continue until U.S. policy reflects the principles of human rights, equal protection under the law, and respect for international humanitarian rights for all, including the Palestinian people.”

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

END

CONTACT: Public Affairs Director Naureen Akhter, nakhter@cair.com, 908-921-1238

Press Releases

July 14, 2026 Naureen Akhter

CAIR-NJ Welcomes Ewing Township’s Settlement with Muslim Employee Facing Workplace Harassment

CAIR-NJ Welcomes Ewing Township’s Settlement with Muslim Employee Facing Workplace Harassment

(NEWARK, NJ – 7/14/2026) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, welcomes Ewing Township’s $100,000 settlement in a hostile work environment lawsuit with a former Muslim employee.

Taher Mohamed Ali worked as an Environmental Health Specialist for Ewing Township where he was frequently targeted with Islamophobic harassment in the workplace. His colleague at the time, Roy Williams, verbally, sexually and physically harassed Ali for years, kicking him in the groin, sprinkling bacon bits on his desk, even taking his car. For years, Ewing Township failed to stop the harassment and violence in the workplace. The harassment escalated until December 2023 when Williams brandished a knife in the workplace and threatened Ali. A town administrator called police, who then initiated a bias investigation with the local prosecutor’s office. A jury later indicted Williams on five counts, including unlawful possession of a weapon and terroristic threats.

READ: Muslim Employee Accosted at Knifepoint

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Public Affairs Director Naureen Akhter said:

“While we welcome Ewing Township’s settlement with Taher Mohamed Ali, things never should have escalated to the point of violence. The only reason Williams felt emboldened enough to brandish a knife at the workplace is because of years of inaction by Township supervisors. As soon as Williams began his campaign of Islamophobic harassment, Ewing had a responsibility to enforce disciplinary measures.

“Every worker has the right to a safe workplace. It shouldn’t take police intervention and a lawsuit to protect Muslim Americans’ right to safety in the workplace.”

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

END

CONTACT: Public Affairs Director Naureen Akhter, nakhter@cair.com, 908-921-1238

Press Releases

July 1, 2026 Naureen Akhter

CAIR-NJ Welcomes Passage of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey

CAIR-NJ Welcomes Passage of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey

(NEWARK, NJ – 7/1/2026) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, welcomes passage of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act (NJVEA) in the New Jersey State Legislature.

CAIR-NJ thanks the New Jersey Institute of Social Justice for leading the campaign to ensure voting rights are strengthened in New Jersey. If signed into law, the NJVEA would help prevent discriminatory voting protocol changes without “preclearance” from the state or a court; expand language access for voters; and prohibit voter discrimination and intimidation. This will ensure robust Muslim voter participation across the state.

READ: CAIR-NJ’s Testimony in Support of the NJVEA

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

“CAIR-NJ has long advocated for passage of the New Jersey Voting Rights Act – whether at Muslim Day of Advocacy at Trenton, or in coalition with our partners at NJISJ and AAPI-NJ. We are glad to see it pass both chambers and urge Governor Mikie Sherrill to sign it swiftly. We have to send a message to the federal government that New Jersey will not go back on voting rights.”

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

END

CONTACT: Public Affairs Director Naureen Akhter, nakhter@cair.com, 908-921-1238

Newsletter

Donation Page

Jul Archives

CAIR-NJ Urges Vigilance Following Harassment Targeting NJ Mosques and Uptick in anti-Muslim Rhetoric and Violence

Community Advisory: Reports of Increased Harassment Targeting New Jersey Mosques

Best practices for mosque security:

Responding to bomb threats

Suspect letters and packages

CAIR-NJ Commends New Jersey Members of Congress Who Voted to End $3.3 Billion for Israeli Military’s Crimes, Calls Other Members “Complicit in Genocide”

CAIR-NJ Welcomes Ewing Township’s Settlement with Muslim Employee Facing Workplace Harassment

CAIR-NJ Welcomes Passage of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey

NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP

Privacy Policy

ABOUT US

Resources

Links