The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), in partnership with Linda Sarsour, Shaun King and several community organizations, successfully hosted the 6th Annual Muslim Day of Advocacy (MDA) today at the New Jersey State House in Trenton.
Some 100 Muslim leaders, activists, students and community members from across the state to engage directly with their elected representatives and advocate for key legislative priorities affecting Muslim and allied communities.
“The strong turnout and energy at this year’s Muslim Day of Advocacy show that our community is deeply committed to engaging in the democratic process and standing up for justice in New Jersey,” said Maheen Mumtaz, CAIR-NJ Government Affairs Associate.
This year’s legislative agenda focused on:
- Opposing adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which would restrict free speech and the right to critique the Israeli government for its genocidal policies;
- Supporting the Immigrant Trust Act, which seeks to strengthen trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement; and
- Supporting the New Jersey Voting Rights Act, which aims to expand and protect equitable access to the ballot box.
Attendees engaged with their representatives and highlighted how their daily lives are directly affected by the issues on the legislative agenda.
Guest speakers Linda Sarsour and Shaun King also attended, calling on community members to continue building political power and advocating for justice through civic engagement across New Jersey.
In a statement, Sarsour said:
“We can be unequivocal in our commitment to fight antisemitism and also reject any attempts to push the IHRA definition as a way to suppress free speech. Muslim American residents of New Jersey are upholding the Constitution and the fundamental right to free speech. As Americans, we should be allowed to use our voice to criticize Israel for its human rights abuses against the Palestinian people.”
In a statement, King said:
“Today, Muslims from across New Jersey traveled to Trenton to let their representatives know that they will not sit idly by and have their free speech rights trampled in the rush to define anti-Semitism so broadly that one is effectively banned from speaking out against injustice and oppression if committed by the State of Israel or on behalf of Zionists. This is just wrong. As Muslims, we will always fight for the rights of our Jewish sisters and brothers to be safe and protected. But IHRA is not that, and you’d struggle to find one free speech expert that disagrees.”
Partnering organizations included: CAIR Action NJ, ICNA Council for Social Justice, Emgage Action NJ, Muslim Civic Action NJ, Palestinian American Community Center, American Muslims for Palestine NJ, Indian American Muslim Council and New Jersey Muslim Voice for Progress.
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 Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, 551-208-5482, aelamroussi@cair.com