CAIR-NJ to Attend NJ Senate Voting Session on Muslim Heritage Month Resolution     

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 02/01/2023) — On Wednesday, Feb. 2, the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) will join New Jersey community leaders at the Senate Chambers in support of the Muslim Heritage Month resolution [SJR105]. State Senators are expected to vote on the joint resolution at 2pm.     

WHEN: Wednesday, February 2, 2023, at 2 p.m.                

WHERE: 135 W State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608     

CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed, dsayedahmed@cair.com, 551-221-5592           

The joint resolution, which designates January of each year as “Muslim Heritage Month” in New Jersey, is sponsored by Senator Pennacchio (LD-26) and Senator Stack (LD-33) and co-sponsored by Senator Bucco (LD-25), Senator Durr (LD-3), Senator Turner (LD-15), and Senator Gopal (LD-11). It calls upon local government agencies and interested government organizations to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and education programs acknowledging, promoting awareness of, and appreciating Muslim Americans and recognizing the contributions of New Jersey Muslims.     

SEE: Pennacchio Bill to Establish Muslim Heritage Month in NJ Advances  

SEE: New Jersey lawmakers considering resolution to establish January as Muslim Heritage Month   

New Jersey has the highest percentage of Muslim residents in the U.S., at 3 percent, according to the Pew Research Center. New Jersey also leads the way for local representation, with over 40 elected officials. Last year, the state elected the first ever Muslims to the New Jersey State Legislature, Assemblywomen Sadaf Jaffer (LD-16) and Shama Haidar (LD-37).         

Still, however, anti-Muslim incidents are on the rise. CAIR-NJ received over 150 calls for help in 2022 alone. The resolution seeks to combat anti-Muslim bigotry by celebrating Muslim Americans and shedding a positive light on the community. 

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