The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, American Muslims for Palestine NJ and Ceasefire Now NJ to host a press conference and rally to demand that elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels take immediate steps to rein in escalating anti-Muslim rhetoric and explicitly condemn the planned and targeted violence against Nerdeen Kiswani.
Speakers will address the dangerous climate of incitement, the normalization of dehumanizing language, and the urgent need for accountability.
WHO: Speakers include
- Dyaa Terpstra, Operations Director, CAIR-NJ
- Hafsa Habehh, Media Manager, AMP-NJ
- A statement from Nerdeen Kiswani
- Kathy Koch, Jewish Voice for Peace, Ceasefire Now NJ and Hoboken resident
- Emily Wirt, Justice for PAL and Hoboken resident
WHEN: Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 at 11AM EDT
WHERE: Outside of Hoboken City Hall, 94 Washington St., Hoboken, NJ 07030
CONTACT: Dyaa Terpstra, CAIR-NJ Operations Director, 908-668-5900 ext. 102, dterpstra@cair.com
WHY?
For nearly a year, organizations such as Betar and federal officials like Josh Gottheimer, along with Randy Fine, Andy Ogles, and Tommy Tuberville, have promoted and directed hostility with impunity toward Muslims, Palestinians, and advocates for Palestinian liberation. As a direct result, Alexander Heifler, of Hoboken, NJ, allegedly plotted to take the life of Nerdeen Kiswani via a heinous plot that was “about to” take place. Heifler, who allegedly planned to flee to Israel after committing murder, is only charged with making an explosive device and possession of a weapon; which, are NOT enough. Media coverage of the arrest has largely ignored what led to this alleged plot, and officials have not publicly made the connection. We call on Hoboken officials, NJ State officials, and NJ’s delegation to Congress condemn this rise in hate and act to address the immediate harms with vigor. When they leave their colleagues and extremist organizations like Betar unchecked, Muslims continue to be left in grave danger.
QUOTE: “For months, Zionist organizations like Betar and politicians like Randy Fine have encouraged violence against my family and me.”- Nerdeen Kiswani
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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