The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate alleged harassment and violent threats reportedly targeting The Baklava Lady, a small café in Englishtown known for its stance promoting peace and voicing support for Palestinian human rights.
The café has reportedly been targeted with pro-genocide hostility, which has escalated dramatically in the past year.
Most disturbingly, the café allegedly received a threatening phone call in which an individual explicitly threatened violence against the owner and her family. This reported phone threat marked a new level of danger, intensifying the already mounting pressure from local pro-genocide groups protesting outside the café and harassing the business.
CAIR-NJ is urging the Englishtown Police Department to take immediate action to ensure the café’s security, as well as for charges to be brought against the alleged perpetrators.
Selaedin Maksut, Executive Director of CAIR-NJ, condemned the threats, stating:
“No one should live in fear for standing up for justice and peace. The threats against Baklava Lady and their family are part of a larger pattern of intimidation aimed at silencing voices who speak out against the genocide in Palestine.”
“Our CAIR-NJ office is calling on the local elected officials of Englishtown to publicly condemn these acts of hate and intimidation, especially the threat of violence made against the cafe. The community must unite against such vile speech and behavior, and local authorities must ensure the safety of this family and their business. Harassment and violence have no place in our communities.
“Together, we can ensure that their small business thrives and that the voices of peace are not silenced by hate.”
CAIR-NJ is also calling on Englishtown’s elected officials to publicly denounce the hatful protests and the violent threat made over the phone, stressing the importance of unity against such bigoted behavior.
From January to June 2024, CAIR documented 4,951 incoming bias complaints nationwide, a 69 percent increase over the same period in 2023.
SEE: New CAIR Data Shows Anti-Muslim, Anti-Palestinian Hate Remain Elevated in First Half of 2024
Earlier this 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.
BACKGROUNDER:
The Baklava Lady’s public stance against the genocide in Palestine, regularly voiced through social media and public displays, has sparked outrage among some members of the pro-genocide community in Englishtown and nearby towns. During the café’s five-year anniversary celebration, a sign reading, “We only serve those who believe in peace for all. Free Palestine. Hands off Lebanon. Real food. Real values,” further fueled this backlash.
The café’s owners have expressed grave concerns about their safety and that of their loved ones, saying: “We are worried that someone might throw a brick through the window or worse. They’ve even doxxed us, putting our personal information online.”
“We need security, that is the first and most important thing. We’re grateful for the overwhelming support, but we also need help with volunteers, legal assistance, and financial backing to keep our café safe and running.”
For those interested in supporting The Baklava Lady and her family, please contact CAIR-NJ to volunteer or provide further assistance.
CAIR’s mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director, Selaedin Maksut, 862-264-9414, smaksut@cair.com