(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 7/18/2018)—The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today condemned the distribution of fliers promoting the white supremacist group Identity Evropa in Bridgewater, Somerville, Morristown, and surrounding areas.
Residents first learned of the fliers through an online photo of a utility pole plastered with an Identity Evropa poster, which read: “Our Generation, Our Future, Our Last Chance.” Pamphlets and fliers promoting the group’s racist ideology have been found on vehicles and in the Bridgewater mall.
“The promotion of a racist and white supremacist group should not be tolerated in our communities,” said James Sues, executive director of CAIR-NJ. “These fliers are a symptom of the spread of white supremacist ideology nationwide that has occurred under the Trump administration. While we condemn the distribution of these fliers, we also stand with the local residents who took action to reject Identity Evropa’s presence in our state.”
CAIR said it has witnessed an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims, immigrants and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president.
The Washington-based civil rights organization has also repeatedly expressed concern about Islamophobic and white supremacist Trump administration policies and appointments.
CAIR recently released a report documenting an unprecedented rise in bias-motivated incidents linked to Trump’s election.
SEE: CAIR’s 2018 Civil Rights Report Offers Data on Impact of Growing Anti-Muslim Bias
This past April, CAIR-NJ condemned the racist vandalism of a campaign poster with a Nazi swastika in South Plainfield.
SEE: CAIR-NJ Condemns Racist Vandalism Targeting Campaign Poster in Newark
CAIR has also noted an increasing unity between white supremacy groups such as Identity Evropa and anti-Muslim organizations like ACT for America. Members of the group attended a series of rallies hosted by ACT for America, where an Identity Evropa banner called for an “End to Islamic Immigration.”
SEE: CAIR Urges Cities to Boost Security for Next Wave of Nationwide Hate Rallies on September 9
The Hate that ACT for America Wrought
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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