CAIR-NJ Welcomes State Senate’s Passing of Muslim Heritage Month Resolution, Calls on Assembly to Follow Suit

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 2/3/2023) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today welcomed the State Senate’s passing of Senate Joint Resolution [SJR105] designating January of each year as “Muslim Heritage Month” in New Jersey and calls on the Assembly to follow suit and pass Assembly Joint Resolution [AJR194].

Earlier this month, CAIR-NJ joined New Jersey community leaders and coalition partners at the Senate Chambers in support of the Senate Joint Resolution. Late last year, CAIR-NJ testified in support of the resolution, calling attention to the state’s growing Muslim population.

SEE: CAIR-NJ, Community Leaders Testify in Support of Muslim Heritage Month Resolution

The joint resolution was 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), Senator Gopal (LD-11), Senator Greenstein (LD-14), Senator Lagana (LD-38), Senator Pou (LD-35) and Senator Zwicker (LD-16).

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

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 160 calls for help in 2022 alone. The joint resolution seeks to push back against anti-Muslim bigotry by celebrating American Muslims.

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Government Affairs Manager Madina P. Ouedraogo, MPA-PNP said:

“Given the growing population of Muslims in New Jersey, it is only appropriate that the State Legislature recognize and acknowledge that diverse and vibrant community.

“We are excited to see the resolution move through the Senate, and we are optimistic that the State Assembly will do the same. We are hopeful that New Jersey will soon recognize January as a month dedicated to celebrating Muslims.

“In tandem with our coalition partners and community members, we call upon the Assembly State and Local Government Committee to hold a public hearing on the Assembly Joint Resolution [AJR194] and release it from the Assembly Committee so that it may move to an Assembly voting session and pass.”

In August last year, Senator Cory Booker submitted a resolution to recognize Muslim American heritage month.

SEE: CAIR-NJ Welcomes Senator Booker’s Resolution to Recognize Muslim-American Heritage Month

Coalition Partners:
American Muslims for Democracy

American Muslims for Palestine-New Jersey

Black Lives Matter – Paterson

Bergen County Islamic Education Center
Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University

Center for Security, Race and Rights

Council of Imams in New Jersey

Faith in New Jersey
ICNA Council for Social Justice

Indian American Muslim Council

Islamic Center of Morris County

Islamic Society of Basking Ridge, Inc.

Jews for Palestinian Right of Return

League of Women Voters of New Jersey

Make the Road New Jersey
Maroc Organization

Masjid Al-Imam

Masjid As’Habul Yameen Inc

Masjid Muhammad – Newark

Masjid Shuhada

Masjid Ul Wadud of Montclair

Muslims 4 Peace
Muslim League of Voters of New Jersey
New Jersey Alliance For Immigrant Justice

New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children

Newark Communities for Accountable Policing

New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association

New Jersey Muslim Voice for Progress
New Jersey Sisterhood

North NJ Democratic Socialist of American BDS and Palestine Solidarity Working Group

Northern NJ Jewish Voice for Peace

Palestinian American Community Center

Salvation and Social Justice

Teaching While Muslim

Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center

 

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