FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR-NJ Condemns Terror Attack on New Zealand Mosques, Urges Stepped-Up Security by Muslim Communities in U.S., Worldwide

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – 3/15/2019) - The New Jersey Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), today mourned the deaths of more than 40 worshipers gunned down in terror attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, during prayers on Friday, condemned the apparent anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant hate that motivated the attacks and urged mosques in the United States and worldwide to step up security measures.

A man who claimed responsibility for the attacks left a 74-page anti-immigrant manifesto in which he said he was a 28-year-old white Australian and a racist. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the attack was carried out "by an extremist right-wing violent terrorist” and media reports indicate that the manifesto posted before the attack includes anti-Muslim rhetoric.

The white supremacist author of the manifesto called himself a supporter of President Donald Trump, who he sees “as a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose.”

Authorities have detained four people and defused explosive devices following what appeared to be a carefully-planned terror attack.

SEE: Christchurch shootings at two mosques leave 49 dead, Australian arrested in relation to terror attack

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-15/christchurch-shooting-at-mosques-leads-to-multiple-fatalities/10904306

40 Killed in New Zealand Mosque Shootings; 4 Held

https://www.apnews.com/ce9e1d267af149dab40e3e5391254530

In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

“To God we belong, and to Him is our return. We mourn the heartbreaking killings of men, women and children gathered for prayer in their houses of worship and urge leaders in our nation and worldwide to speak out forcefully against the growing anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant hate that appears to have motivated these white supremacist terrorists. In the wake of this tragedy, we urge mosques, Islamic schools and other community institutions in the United States and around the world to take stepped-up security precautions, particularly during times of communal prayer.”

Video of the attacks has been posted online. CAIR is asking that the video not be shared.

“Instead of spreading the hate-filled message of terrorists, we should share messages of love and solidarity with the loved ones of those killed or injured in the attacks,” said Awad.

Awad urged President Trump to speak out against the attacks and the white supremacist motive of the terrorists.

CAIR has reported an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims, immigrants and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president and has repeatedly expressed concern about Islamophobic, white supremacist and racist Trump administration policies and appointments.

SEE: CAIR Says Trump’s Islamophobic ‘Prayer Rug’ Tweet Designed to Distract from Latest Legal Problems

https://www.cair.com/cair_says_trump_s_islamophobic_prayer_rug_tweet_designed_to_distract_from_latest_legal_problems

The Washington-based civil rights organization is urging mosques and other Islamic institutions to take measures outlined in its "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety" booklet. The advice in CAIR’s security publication is applicable to all institutions, regardless of organizational mission.

The booklet may be viewed at: https://tinyurl.com/BestSafetyPractices

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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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  CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director James Sues, 908-668-5900, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MEDIA ADVISORY

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J., 12/11/18) – On December 17, Muslims from around New Jersey will take part in a “Muslim Day of Advocacy at the State House” in Trenton, N.J. Advocacy day participants will focus their lobbying efforts on issues such as legislation to prevent an attempt by this or any other administration from establishing a religious registry and maintaining a child’s religious upbringing when placing a child in adoption or foster care.

The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) is co-sponsoring Muslim Advocacy Day in Trenton along with a coalition of Muslim organizations from around the state. This is the first such event to take place in New Jersey’s capitol.

Throughout the day, New Jersey Muslims will meet with individual legislators. There will be a reception for press and government officials from 12 P.M. to 1 P.M. 

WHAT: Muslim Advocacy Day at the New Jersey State Capitol

WHEN: Monday, December 17, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. (Media are urged to arrive at 12 P.M.)

WHERE: New Jersey Statehouse Annex 145 W State Street, Trenton, NJ, Committee Room 6

CONTACT: CAIR-New Jersey Government Affairs Director Jay Rehman, (908) 668-5900, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For a list of participating Muslim organizations visit the New Jersey Muslim Voters Project website at: http://www.njmvp.net/coalition-partners.html

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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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The Following congratulatory letter was sent to all members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation who won their elections on November 6, 2018:

On behalf of Muslim Americans in New Jersey, the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) and the New Jersey Muslim Voters Project (NJMVP) would like to congratulate you on your electoral victory.  This is a great achievement for you and, in fact, for all of those who supported your campaign. 

In these trying times of divisiveness, we applaud the culture of inclusiveness that defines the great state of New Jersey and was reflected in the results of the past election.  We look forward to your support of this noble principle of inclusiveness through your public service. 

As civically engaged members of the community, we hope to join you in your endeavors to make this state, and in fact, this country a better and more just place for all Americans to live and thrive.

Signatories

CAIR New Jersey

New Jersey Muslim Voters Project

Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom - SJ Chapter 1

Islamic Center of Morris County

Jam e Masjid Islamic Center, Boonton

Pak-American Community Association of New Jersey

NIA Masjid & Community Center

AMD

Asma Kasuba

Zainab Syed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR-NJ Welcomes Bias Intimidation Charges Against Woman Who Spat on Muslim Family Outside Jersey City Polling Place

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J., 11/09/2018) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today welcomed bias intimidation charges against a woman who spat on, threatened, and used racial slurs against a Muslim family outside of a Jersey City polling place on Tuesday.

On November 6, Asmaa Abdalla, 25, a candidate in Tuesday's Jersey City Board of Education election, and two of her family members were harassed, physically threatened and assaulted by Shaquana Jones, 31, who was arrested outside School 24 on Virginia Avenue and charged with bias intimidation, simple assault and terroristic threats.

SEE: Muslim family says woman spit on them outside Jersey City polling place

https://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2018/11/3_muslims_assaulted_outside_a_jersey_city_polling.html

“Hateful acts of violence such as those allegedly carried out in Jersey City on Tuesday cannot be tolerated and must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law” said CAIR-NJ Executive Director James Sues. “While it is empowering to see young Muslim women like Asmaa Abdalla run for elected office, we are again reminded of the poisonous political atmosphere that divides this country by the treatment she and her family members suffered.”

In a recent report, CAIR noted a 17 percent increase in bias-motivated incidents and a 15 percent increase in hate crimes against American Muslims since Trump took office.

SEE: 2018 Civil Rights Report: Targeted

http://www.islamophobia.org/reports/224-2018-civil-rights-report-targeted.html

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

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 CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director James Sues, 908-668-5900, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.