(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 5/6/20) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today called on that state’s Republican Party to repudiate Jersey City Republicans for recent Islamophobic Tweets.
On May 5, the Jersey City Republicans tweeted against newly-appointed Jersey City Councilman Yousef Saleh, claiming Saleh is hiding “his plans to implement #ShariaLaw into #NewJersey. . .#islamicterrorisom.”
[NOTE: The false claim that American Muslims are seeking to implement “sharia law” (Islamic principles) in the United States is a common conspiracy theory promoted by Islamophobes.]
Another tweet stated in part, “unelected #muslim vows to implement #ShariaLaw in #newjersey by taking oath on the Koran.”
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“We call on New Jersey GOP leaders to wholeheartedly condemned these shameless and bigoted tweets that spread hatred and fear of Muslims. At a time when hate crimes are on the rise, such vile speech is irresponsible and puts New Jersey Muslims at risk.
“It is disheartening to see anti-Muslim rhetoric coming from local
political parties here in New Jersey, but not entirely surprising as it serves
as a painful reminder of the Islamophobia that is increasing in our nation
today.”
SEE: CAIR-NJ Welcomes Camden County GOP Apology for Anti-Muslim Facebook Posts
The Washington-based civil rights organization 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.
SEE: CAIR Files EEOC Complaint on Behalf of Maryland Muslim Woman Denied Right to Pray, Dress Modestly at Work
CAIR’s 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 Selaedin Maksut, 908-668-5900, [email protected]