The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, strongly condemns the decision to issue a pardon of Moshe Glick, the man who was once being prosecuted stemming from a West Orange protest, a move that undermines accountability and raises serious concerns about equal justice, and the rule of law.
Gov. Phil Murphy has pardoned a West Orange man charged with assaulting a pro-Palestinian protester outside a synagogue, closing a case that drew national attention and became a flashpoint in the broader debate over protests outside houses of worship. The protest was in opposition to a real estate event held attempting to sell stolen land of Palestinians in Jerusalem.
Murphy issued the pardon to Moshe Glick, a pro-Israel activist who allegedly struck a pro-Palestinian protester in the head with a metal flashlight during a heated confrontation outside Congregation Ohr Torah in West Orange on Nov. 13. Despite a countersuit using an unusual tactic, the victim’s attorneys maintained their client was the victim.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office had charged Glick with aggravated assault, bias intimidation, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
SEE: Murphy pardons man in NJ synagogue clash that drew national attention
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“Pardons should be used to correct injustice — not to obscure accountability in matters involving intimidation or violence. This decision sends a deeply troubling message at a time when all faith communities are facing heightened threats and deserve assurance that the law will be applied fairly and consistently.”
“This is not about politics — it is about principle,” Maksut added. “Selective accountability, especially in cases touching public safety, weakens confidence in our justice system. The prosecutors were doing the right thing, and Governor Murphy stifled justice from taking its course. Our state must be clear: no one is above the law, and no community’s safety or dignity is expendable.”
CAIR-NJ calls on New Jersey’s current and future leadership to reaffirm their commitment to equal protection under the law, accountability for actions that disrupt or endanger protesters, and the consistent enforcement of laws designed to safeguard civil and constitutional rights.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut, smaksut@cair.com, 862-264-9414