(NEWARK, NJ) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) and CAIR Action NJ today welcomed that Justin Goldsman is no longer with Assemblyman Gary Schaer’s office as his chief of staff following public condemnation of Goldsman’s reported racist, anti-Muslim remarks.
Over a phone call with Assemblyman Gary Schaer’s office Wednesday morning, CAIR-NJ was informed that Goldsman “No longer works at this office.” No other details were provided.
SEE: Jewish Dem state caucus chair resigns after pressure from Muslim groups (Politico Pro)
Goldsman’s departure comes after CAIR-NJ, CAIR Action NJ, and others called for his immediate condemnation and removal from his role due to his long history of racist rhetoric and more recent anti-Muslim social media postings. His comments, which expressed blatant hostility toward Muslims, are unacceptable for anyone in public service.
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“Justin Goldsman’s departure was a necessary step to root out Islamophobia that contaminates our political institutions.
Public figures who unabashedly spew racist rhetoric against marginalized communities should have no place in government. Yet, many times we see them remain in positions of influence. We cannot stand by while our communities continue to be targeted and vilified.
“Goldsman must be removed immediately from the West Orange Human Relations Commission.”
In a statement, Senior Advisor at CAIR Action NJ Ali Aljarrah said:
“Justin Goldsman’s departure doesn’t address the deeper issue– that Islamophobia is deeply embedded in our political system. His comments were not an isolated incident but rather reflected a broader pattern of hostility toward Muslims in government and political spaces.
This is not just about one person— New Jersey’s elected leadership must take serious, systemic action to root out Islamophobia and racism in all its forms at all levels of government.
Until our political institutions take real steps to challenge anti-Muslim and anti-Arab bias — rather than reacting to public pressure — this cycle will continue.”
CAIR-NJ reiterates its call on West Orange officials to remove him from the township’s Human Relations Commission. His continued presence on the commission is a disgrace to its mission of addressing and dismantling all types of discrimination.
Last week, Goldsman resigned from the New Jersey Democratic State Committee Jewish Caucus following CAIR-NJ and CAIR Action NJ’s call for him to step down.
BACKGROUNDER:
In a post made publicly on what appears to be his Facebook account, Goldsman wrote “we are humans not Muslims” with a heart emoji. That post also included a link to a post made on X by another user that has since been deleted.
In September 2024, Goldsman made another anti-Muslim post on his X account perpetuating an Islamophobic trope. He writes: “Can’t sleep with 72 fake imaginary virgins with a blown off terrorist d–k can you?”
CAIR-NJ and CAIR Action NJ continue to urge New Jersey’s elected officials and community leaders to condemn anti-Muslim rhetoric and take meaningful action to uphold the rights and dignity of all communities.
Goldsman’s recent anti-Muslim bigoted remarks came just weeks after two men were charged in a bias aggravated assault in an attack on a Muslim protester participating in an anti-genocide rally in northern New Jersey in November 2024.
More than 300,000 Muslims reside in New Jersey, making the state home to one of the highest percentage of Muslims at 3.5%.
Between January to June 2024, CAIR documented 4,951 incoming bias complaints nationwide, a 69% increase over the same period in 2023.
Last year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which revealed the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints. Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.
The West Orange Human Relations Commission, which Goldsman serves on, makes recommendations to the Mayor that informs policies, procedures and educational programs that will support an agenda that identifies, addresses and dismantles all types of discrimination, bias and injustice based on identities such as race, gender, religion, socio-economic background, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, marital status, ability or sexual orientation, according to its website.
Assemblyman Gary Schaer serves Legislative District 36, which covers parts of Bergen County (Carlstadt, Cliffside Park, East Rutherford, Edgewater, Fairview, Lyndhurst, North Arlington, Ridgefield, Rutherford, Wallington, and Wood-Ridge) and the city of Passaic in Passaic County.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
CAIR Action’s mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities. It aims to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, 551-208-5482, aelamroussi@cair.com. Senior Advisor for CAIR Action NJ Ali Aljarrah, 973-303-7300, aaljarrah@cairaction.org