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Author: Naureen Akhter

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Naureen Akhter

CAIR-NJ Celebrates: New Jersey Leads the Nation in Number of Muslim Elected Officials

CAIR-NJ Celebrates: New Jersey Leads the Nation in Number of Muslim Elected Officials 

(NEWARK, NJ – 8/21/2026) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, celebrates New Jersey once again leading the nation in the number of Muslims elected to public office.  

The finding was published this week in CAIR’s newly released annual report, the 2026 Directory of Elected Muslim Officials, which tracks the growing political participation and electoral success of American Muslims across the country. 

SEE: CAIR, CAIR Action Identify 255 Muslim Elected Officials in New 2026 Directory  

The directory reported forty-six Muslims serving in public office in the state, from local school boards to municipal government and the New Jersey State legislature. This figure does not reflect the number of Muslims serving in judicial roles, as judges in New Jersey are appointed rather than elected.   

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

“New Jersey is among the states with the highest Muslims per capita. While we are proud that our political representation reflects our community’s breadth, we still have a long way to go to fully realize our civic aspirations: to enact policies that address our community’s needs, to push back on institutional Islamophobia, and to protect our right to free speech.”   

“Our community is not simply a constituency to be spoken about; we are voters, organizers, advocates, candidates, and public servants helping shape the future of our state.  

“This representation reflects a community that understands that democracy works best when we participate in it, and it should inspire even more Muslims to make their voices heard and take an active role in civic life.” 

CAIR-NJ is committed to advancing civic participation across the state: from our Vote For Justice initiative to register and educate Muslim voters, to our annual Muslim Youth Leadership Intensive where we train the next generation of leaders, and to the workshops and resources delivered throughout the state on civic education.  

SEE: CAIR-NJ Vote For Justice 

SEE: Muslim Youth Leadership Intensive 

SEE: 2026 Congressional Tracker 

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
Naureen Akhter

CAIR-NJ Welcomes Release of Iemad Saifo from ICE Detention

CAIR-NJ Welcomes Release of Iemad Saifo from ICE Detention
(NEWARK, NJ – 8/17/2026) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the release of Iemad Saifo from ICE detention at Delaney Hall. Saifo is a beloved small business owner and father in Collingswood, NJ.
SEE: N.J. restaurant owner released from Delaney Hall following ICE detention, family says
CAIR-NJ recently called for Saifo’s release.
He entered the country lawfully from Syria in 2002 and has since sought legal pathways to obtain Permanent Residence status and eventually, U.S. citizenship. While Saifo has a December court date for his immigration case, he was summoned to the ICE field office for a check-in, where he was detained.
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Public Affairs Director Naureen Akhter said:
“We welcome Iemad Saifo’s release from ICE detention and are relieved that he has returned home to his family and community while his immigration case proceeds. Families should not have to endure the fear and uncertainty that comes when a person attends an immigration check-in and is unexpectedly taken into detention.”
She said CAIR-NJ will continue to advocate for the civil rights and due process of American Muslims and immigrant communities.
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, Press Releases
Naureen Akhter

CAIR-NJ Calls for the Immediate Release of Iemad Saifo

CAIR-NJ Calls for the Immediate Release of Iemad Saifo

(NEWARK, NJ – 8/7/2026) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for the immediate release of Iemad Saifo from ICE detention at Delaney Hall. Iemad is a beloved small business owner and father in Collingswood, NJ.

SEE: Collingswood restaurant owner being detained at Delaney Hall

Iemad entered the country lawfully from Syria in 2002 and has since sought legal pathways to obtain Permanent Residence status and eventually, U.S. citizenship. While Iemad has a December court date for his immigration case, he was summoned to the ICE field office for a check-in last week, where he was detained. He is currently being held at Delaney Hall where a detainee died over the weekend, and has been the site of numerous protests, including a hunger strike by detainees.

SEE: Salvadoran man dies while in ICE custody at Delaney Hall

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

“Iemad Saifo should be at home with his family preparing for his next immigration court date, rather than sitting in a detention center miles away.  He is an elderly man with chronic health conditions, whose children, particularly his 11-year-old autistic son, rely on him. His family restaurant, named after his daughter Zena, is a pillar of the community in Collingswood, NJ.

“We call on immigration authorities to release him on bond and let him have his day in court.”

The family is calling on the community to send letters to the ICE Newark Field Office and donate to his legal defense funds.

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, Press Releases
Naureen Akhter

CAIR-NJ Mourns the Passing of Board Chairwoman Sister Cynthia Brown

CAIR-NJ Mourns the Passing of Board Chairwoman Sister Cynthia Brown 

(NEWARK, NJ – 8/2/2026) – With heavy hearts and profound sadness, the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), announces the passing of our beloved Board Chairwoman, Sister Cynthia Brown. She returned to her Creator on the evening of August 1, 2026. 

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. (Surely, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.) 

Sister Cynthia was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to justice and public service. For eight years, she served on the CAIR-NJ board, guiding our organization with grace and moral clarity as Chairwoman. She was a tireless advocate for the civil rights of New Jersey’s Muslim community, and her leadership left an indelible mark on our work. 

Her extraordinary commitment to her community extended across every facet of her life. Sister Cynthia dedicated a remarkable 52 years as the East Orange Municipal Clerk, the first Muslim to serve in this role in the state of New Jersey. She was a deeply respected leader at her local mosque, Ashabul Yameen of East Orange. Beyond her civic achievements, it was her deep compassion and genuine care for others that resonated with everyone she met. 

With her passing, we have lost not only a formidable leader but a dear friend and mentor. Her absence leaves a profound void that will be felt by our staff, our board, and the countless individuals across the state whose lives she touched through her advocacy. 

We extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to Sister Cynthia’s family and loved ones during this time of immense grief. We ask the community to join us in keeping her and her family in your duas (prayers). She is survived by her daughter, Najah H. Akbar, and her grandchildren Na’ilah and Halim. 

May Allah (SWT) shower Sister Cynthia with His infinite mercy, elevate her ranks, and grant her the highest level of Jannatul Firdous. May He wrap her family in comfort and grant them sabr (patience) and strength in the days ahead. 

END 

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

Press Releases
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
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
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
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 

 

Press Releases
Naureen Akhter

CAIR-NJ Denounces Israel’s Barring NJ Resident from Entering, Calls on U.S. to Enforce Anti-Discrimination Clause Within Visa Waiver Program 

CAIR-NJ Denounces Israel’s Barring NJ Resident from Entering, Calls on U.S. to Enforce Anti-Discrimination Clause Within Visa Waiver Program  

(NEWARK, NJ – 6/30/2026) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, denounces Israel’s barring a delegation of travelers from the U.S. from entering Israel on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Six of the nine travelers are U.S. citizens. One citizen, a native of New Jersey, was told she could not enter due to her family’s roots in Gaza. CAIR-NJ is calling on the U.S. State Department to enforce reciprocity requirements of the U.S. Visa Waiver program, enabling them to enter Israel.  

Leading experts and Congressional leaders have been cautioning against admitting Israel into the program. Even President Barack Obama declined to admit Israel during his time in office given the high rate of denials of U.S. citizens with Palestinian heritage at Israel’s ports of entry. 

READ: Israel is Unlikely to Respect US Visa Waiver Program Requirements 

READ: Van Hollen, Schatz Lead More Than a Dozen Colleagues in Letter to Administration on Israel’s Non-Compliance with Key Visa Waiver Program Requirements 

Sir Rateb Rabie, President of the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF), a non-profit dedicated to the well-being of Arab Christians in Israel and the occupied territories, was leading a group of American and international delegates to Israel on a mission to learn and connect with residents on the ground. They were attempting to enter Israel at the King Hussein/Allenby bridge from Jordan when they were interrogated for hours and subsequently turned away, despite having valid Electronic Travel Authorizations.  

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

“Many advocates and government leaders, including former President Barack Obama during his time in office, opposed Israel’s entering the U.S. Visa Waiver program because of its history of discrimination against Palestinian Americans at its borders. The refusal to admit Sir Rateb’s delegation highlights one instance of Israeli authorities’ tactics to refuse Palestinian Americans’ entry.” 

Rateb Rabie, Delegation Leader and President/CEO of the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) “What happened today is not only unjust—it is a violation of basic human rights and a breach of the reciprocity commitments Israel made under the Visa Waiver Program. Our delegation followed every required procedure, yet we were met with intimidation, humiliation, and an unexplained denial of entry. Despite this painful experience, our commitment to our people and our mission remains stronger than ever.” 

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
Naureen Akhter

CAIR-NJ Urges Montclair School District to Rescind Guidance on IHRA Definition of Antisemitism

CAIR-NJ Urges Montclair School District to Rescind Guidance on IHRA Definition of Antisemitism

(NEWARK, NJ – 6/12/2026) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, urged the Montclair Board of Education to rescind recent guidance regarding educators’ responsibilities to adhere to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which falsely conflates criticism of Israel’s human rights abuses and genocide with antisemitism.

On June 2, 2026, attorney Mr. David Nash, on behalf of the New Jersey Principals and Superintendents Association (NJPSA), delivered guidance to Montclair Public Schools faculty on what constitutes hostility or harassment in classrooms. In it, he claimed New Jersey Schools are bound by the IHRA definition of antisemitism, citing a 2019 Executive Order by President Trump. 

CAIR-NJ wrote a letter to Montclair Public Schools Superintendent highlighting New Jersey’s repeated refusal to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism, the unconstitutionality of this attempt to impose restrictions on students’ and teachers’ First Amendment rights, and called for the district to take corrective measures.

SEE: CAIR-NJ Letter to Montclair School District

Slide from NJPSA presentation citing examples of antisemitism: 

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

“It is absolutely chilling to free speech for a school district to characterize critique of Israel as antisemitic. Drawing historical comparisons between the actions of Israel, particularly in Gaza, to that of other genocidal regimes is valid political discourse. The training goes further to say ‘claiming the state of Israel is a racist endeavor’ is an example of antisemitism. Israel’s very own ‘Nation-State Law’ restricts the rights of its Arab citizens – limiting discourse around this does nothing to address antisemitism.

“This training, by reinforcing the IHRA definition, violates New Jersey standards for discrimination and infringes on students’ and teachers’ constitutional rights. The school district should clarify Trump’s Executive Order is just that – a non legally binding recommendation for his executive agencies – and stay firm in its commitment to free expression and student safety.”

Last year, CAIR and CAIR Action, its advocacy affiliate, released a factsheet, called “Voices of Resistance Against the IHRA Definition and the Antisemitism Awareness Act.” That publication documents how the controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism is being weaponized across the country to silence advocacy against genocide and for Palestinian human 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

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