Press Releases

CAIR-NJ Calls Trump’s New Travel Ban ‘Morally Corrupt, Racist and Anti-Muslim’ (NEWARK, NJ – 6/5/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today condemned President Donald Trump’s new and expanded travel ban targeting 19 mostly Muslim and African nations, rejecting it as “morally corrupt, racist and anti-Muslim.” The ban, which goes into effect next week, was signed Wednesday by Trump in a new proclamation titled, “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. The expanded ban fully suspends immigration and nonimmigrant visas for citizens of

CAIR-NJ Condemns Firing of Nurse Imam Over Expressing Anti-Genocide Views, Support for Palestine (NEWARK, NJ – 5/30/2025)  – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today strongly condemns the unjust termination of Imam Khalil Adem, a respected religious leader and healthcare professional, by Hackensack Meridian Health. Imam Adem, who was wrongfully fired after exercising his First Amendment rights by expressing his views on the ongoing genocide in Palestine, has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the healthcare organization.   READ MORE: NJ nurse alleges in lawsuit he was fired for pro-Palestinian speech   Imam Adem, a long-time employee

CAIR-NJ Commemorates 77th Anniversary of the Nakba as Palestinian Displacement Continues (NEWARK, NJ, 5/15/2025) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today commemorates Nakba Day, marking 77 years since the mass displacement of Palestinians and destruction of their homeland in 1948. The Nakba, meaning “catastrophe” in Arabic, refers to the violent campaign in which Zionist militias and terrorist organizations including the Irgun that would later form the Israeli military destroyed more than 530 Palestinian villages, carried out numerous massacres, and killed more than 15,000 people. More than 750,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes, creating a refugee crisis that persists to this day.

CAIR-NJ Condemns Detention of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Demands Immediate Release (Newark, NJ – 5/9/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) condemns the detention of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka today at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center and demands his immediate release. READ MORE: New Jersey Mayor Ras Baraka arrested at ICE facility  – POLITICO Baraka was taken into custody Friday while protesting the facility’s reopening, citing unresolved permit issues and safety concerns. The detention center, owned by the GEO Group under a $1 billion, 15-year contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), began housing detainees on May

CAIR-NJ, Dozens of Orgs Send Letter Urging Gov. Murphy to Veto Bill Threatening First Amendment Rights (Newark, NJ, 4/28/2025)  –  The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), along with a coalition of civil rights organizations, faith leaders, and community groups, have submitted a joint sign-on letter to Gov. Phil Murphy, urging him to veto a bill that could be used to criminalize peaceful protest and suppress constitutionally protected speech. The New Jersey Legislature on March 24 passed bill A4652 / S3507, which contains vague and overly broad language that threatens the First Amendment right to assemble. CLICK

CAIR-NJ Invites Constituents to Join USCMO for 10th Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill MEDIA ADVISORY (Newark, NJ, 04/24/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today announced that it will join the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) and invites the American Muslim community to the 10th Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day on April 28 and April 29, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This milestone event is slated to bring together Muslim leaders, activists, and constituents from across the country to meet with members of Congress and advocate for policies that support justice, civil rights, and inclusive representation. REGISTER: USCMO 10th Annual National

CAIR-NJ Urges Attention to Gaza Environmental Destruction on Earth Day (Newark, NJ – 4/22/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) on today’s Earth Day highlighted the unprecedented environmental catastrophe unfolding in Gaza due to the US-backed Israeli genocide of Palestinians and the ecocide of Palestinian territories. As the global community commemorates Earth Day on April 22, CAIR-NJ is bringing urgent attention to the ongoing Israeli military assault on Palestine that has not only resulted in ethnic cleansing of Palestinians but systematically destroyed the territory’s ecosystems, agricultural systems, and natural resources in what amounts to ecological warfare.   

CAIR-NJ Calls on Gov. Murphy to Veto Bill Designed to Place Vague Restrictions on First Amendment Rights (Newark, NJ – 4/17/2025) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations of New Jersey (CAIR-NJ) today calls on Gov. Phil Murphy to veto Bill A4652 / S3507, a deeply flawed piece of legislation that threatens the fundamental democratic rights of free speech and peaceful assembly. The bill passed by the New Jersey Legislature on March 24, 2025, and is currently on Murphy’s desk. ACT NOW – URGE GOV. MURPHY TO VETO A4652 / S3507  The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Dan Hutchison (D-LD4) and Sen. Paul

CAIR-NJ Releases Update on Palestinian American Teens Shot 47 times by Israeli Forces in Occupied West Bank  (Newark, NJ – 4/8/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations today announced that all three teenagers who were shot in the occupied West Bank on April 6 are U.S. citizens. One teenager is dead, another remains hospitalized in critical condition, and the third is in good condition. READ: Family of 14-year-old from N.J. wants answers as to why Israeli soldiers shot him dead Amer Mohammed Saada Rabee —a 14-year-old boy formerly of Saddle Brook, New Jersey— was fatally shot on April

CAIR-NJ, CAIR Action NJ Condemn Killing of Palestinian American Boy of NJ, Call on Elected Officials for Accountability (Newark, NJ – 4/8/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) and CAIR Action NJ today called on New Jersey officials to condemn the killing of a New Jersey-born Palestinian teen by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank and urge officials to demand accountability for the murder of the American citizen and the attempted killing of two others. Amer Mohammad Saada Rabeea —a 14-year-old boy formerly of Saddle Brook, New Jersey— was shot and killed April 6 by the Israeli military. Amer along

MEDIA ADVISORY: CAIR-NJ Rep to Speak at Princeton University’s Students for Justice in Palestine Press Conference  (NEWARK, NJ – 4/6/2024) — On Monday, April 7, a representative of the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) plans to speak at a news conference to voice opposition to an event held the Center for Jewish Life at Princeton University featuring former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Bennett’s visit is part of his tour across North American campuses, including Harvard, Columbia, and Yale, which coincides with the deportations, detainments, and disappearances of students at these same campuses spearheaded by the Trump administration for protesting the US-backed

CAIR-NJ Welcomes Sentencing of Man Who Destroyed Property at Rutgers Muslim Chaplaincy House  (NEWARK, NJ – 4/2/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today welcomed the sentencing of a man who broke into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University (CILRU) in New Brunswick and thrashed the place nearly a year ago on Eid ul-Fitr. READ: Suspect  charged with vandalizing Rutgers Islamic center, stealing Palestinian flag during Eid al-Fitr  Jacob Beacher of North Plainfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime in October 2024 following his April 10, 2024, attack on the Islamic center at Rutgers University

CAIR-NJ Calls for Immediate Investigation into Biased, Harmful School Assignment at New Brunswick High The assignment distorts the facts of Mahmoud Khalil’s detention and promotes stereotypes and misinformation (NEWARK, NJ – 3/27/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today called for an immediate investigation into a biased social studies assignment reportedly given to students at New Brunswick High School. The assignment, which allegedly asked students to cast judgment on the case of Mahmoud Khalil—a lawful U.S. resident detained as part of President Trump’s crackdown on anti-war dissent—distorted the facts surrounding Khalil’s detention, while perpetuating harmful and

MEDIA ADVISORY:  TODAY: CAIR-NJ to Join Members of Congress in Response to Israel Breaking Gaza Ceasefire (WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/25/25) — Later today, Tuesday, March 25, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut will join U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman at a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., with Reps. Ilhan Omar, Greg Casar, Mark Pocan, Delia Ramirez, Nydia Valazquez, and Ayanna Pressley in response to the end of the ceasefire in Gaza. The press conference will draw attention to the resumption of violence in Gaza following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to break the ceasefire negotiated by the U.S. earlier this year. The documented death toll in Gaza has surpassed 50,000, and Israel has announced plans

CAIR-NJ Responds to Release of Video in Imam Hassan Sharif’s Murder Investigation, Renewing Call for Justice (NEWARK, NJ – 3/20/25)  — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today renews its call for justice following the recent release of a video by authorities showing a potential suspect involved in the tragic killing of Imam Hassan Sharif. WATCH VIDEO: Surveillance video shows possible ‘person of interest’ in murder of Imam in Newark Imam Sharif, a respected community leader, was fatally shot outside Masjid Muhammad in Newark on January 3, 2024, while preparing to lead Fajr (pre-dawn) prayers. The release of this new footage marks a potential significant development in

CAIR-NJ Releases 2025 Civil Rights Report, Marking International Day to Combat Islamophobia (TRENTON, NJ – 3/17/2025) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today released its 2025 Civil Rights Report during a press conference commemorating the International Day to Combat Islamophobia outside the New Jersey State House. WATCH CAIR-NJ TRENTON NEWS CONFERENCE The news conference drew Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12) community organizers and elected officials, who collectively called on New Jersey state and federal leadership to address the rising trends in anti-Muslim hate. SEE: 2025 Civil Rights Report: Power in Persistence In a statement, CAIR-New Jersey Executive

SPEAKER UPDATE MEDIA ADVISORY: Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman to join CAIR-NJ in Marking International Day to Combat Islamophobia  (NEWARK, NJ, 3/14/25) – On Monday, March 17, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) will join the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, in commemorating the International Day to Combat Islamophobia at the Trenton State House. She will be joined by advocates, community leaders and subject-matter experts to speak on the dangers of anti-Muslim bigotry across New Jersey. Elected officials alongside community organizers will mark the United Nation’s International Day to Combat Islamophobia and call on New Jersey state leadership

MEDIA ADVISORY: CAIR-NJ to Release New Civil Rights Data to Mark UN’s 2025 International Day to Combat Islamophobia (NEWARK, NJ, 3/13/25) – On Monday, March 17, the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, plans to commemorate the United Nation’s International Day to Combat Islamophobia by releasing its new data on anti-Muslim bias at the Trenton State House. Advocates and subject-matter experts will speak on the dangers of anti-Muslim bigotry across New Jersey. Elected officials, community organizers, and leaders will join CAIR-NJ in marking the United Nation’s International Day to Combat Islamophobia, calling on New Jersey state leadership to do

CAIR-NJ Joins Rally Condemning ‘Imminent’ Opening of Newark ICE Detention Facility (NEWARK – 3/11/20) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) joined the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ) in a demonstration against the planned opening of an ICE detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. SEE: Protest held against reopening ICE immigration detention center in Newark Nearly 200 people attended the rally Tuesday afternoon outside the proposed site for the detention center known as Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark – sending one clear message of solidarity and unity: ICE has not place in New Jersey. SEE:

MEDIA ADVISORY: CAIR-NJ to Release 2025 Impact and Data Report Revealing New Trends in Anti-Muslim Bigotry  (NEWARK, NJ, 3/7/25) – On Tuesday, March 11, the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, plans to release its 2025 Impact and Data Report during a news conference at its office in Newark, New Jersey. The report documents rising trends of anti-Muslim discrimination in New Jersey, as well as emerging shifts in how American Muslim communities have faced various forms of anti-Muslim bigotry. The report includes dozens of specific incidents of bias and offers insightful analysis into key

CAIR-NJ Releases Ramadan and Eid Guide for Elected Officials (Newark, NJ – 2/28/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today released a short guide to assist elected officials in better understanding and recognizing the significance of the holy month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid ul-Fitr. The one-page guide provides elected officials with key insights into the practices and spiritual significance of Ramadan, including: An overview of Ramadan and its importance in Islam Key practices observed by Muslims, such as fasting and prayer Information on Eid ul-Fitr and its cultural traditions Tips for extending greetings like “Ramadan

CAIR-NJ Condemns ICE Raid on Family-Owned Restaurant in South Jersey, Calls for Immediate Release of Detained Owner   (Newark, NJ – 2/28/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today condemned the recent ICE raid on Jersey Kebab, a family-owned Mediterranean restaurant in Haddon Township, South Jersey, and called for the immediate release of the detained owner, Emine Emanet.   On February 26, 2025, ICE agents raided Jersey Kebab and arrested its owners, Celal and Emine Emanet, citing unresolved immigration status issues. The raid has sparked outrage in the community, as the Emanet family has been