CAIR-NJ Congratulates Nadia Kahf on her Confirmation as NJ Superior Court Judge
SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 03/01/2023) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today welcomed the New Jersey Senate’s vote to appoint Nadia Kahf as a Superior Court judge in New Jersey.
Kahf, an immigration and family law attorney from Wayne, will be the first judge to wear a hijab (Islamic head scarf) on the Superior Court bench in New Jersey.
Ma’isha Aziz, Esq. is the first to wear hijab on the bench in New Jersey. She served on the Municipal Court of the Borough of Lawnside for seven years.
Kahf, who is also the former Board Chairwoman of CAIR-NJ, joins two other Muslim women, Sharifa Salaam and Kalimah Ahmad, on the Superior Court bench.
SEE: She’s the first judge to wear a hijab on the bench in NJ. It’s not her only accomplishment
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“Nadia has long served the Muslim community in New Jersey, and I am honored to have worked under her leadership and guidance here at CAIR-NJ.
“She brings a wealth of experiences that span across the legal field and meet at the intersections of Muslim and other marginalized communities, and we can’t think of anyone more fit for this position than her.
“Benches and juries must reflect the communities they serve. Nadia’s appointment is a step in the right direction and brings us closer to an inclusive legal system.”
Kahf was nominated by Governor Murphy a year ago but her confirmation was stalled by Senator Kristen Corrado. Since then, 90 community leaders, including mayors, council members, school board members, and leaders of the New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association signed a letter urging the Senator to act to advance Kahf’s nomination.
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 Dina Sayedahmed, dsayedahmed@cair.com, 551-221-5592
