NEWARK, NJ – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), announced the release of a civic engagement guide for mosques, emphasizing the importance of welcoming only public officials who support a Gaza ceasefire to speak during Ramadan events.
This initiative responds to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the reluctance of some public officials to support calls for a ceasefire in Palestine. The guide, titled “Harnessing Our Collective Power: A Guide to Civic Engagement in our Mosques,” aims to encourage mosques to engage with elected officials who align with the community’s values, particularly in light of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Ramadan, a significant period in the Islamic calendar for reflection and community, traditionally sees elected officials connecting with Muslim voters. However, with the conflict in Gaza persisting for five months and impacting access to essential services for Palestinians, the Muslim community in New Jersey is expressing dissatisfaction with representatives’ stance on the issue.
CAIR-NJ reports a stark contrast in support, noting that only three of New Jersey’s twelve congressmembers have publicly advocated for a ceasefire. The community’s frustration is further fueled by the personal losses experienced by Palestinian Muslims in New Jersey, with over 1,000 family members killed since October.
Selaedin Maksut, CAIR-NJ Executive Director, criticized the continuing support from officials for Israel’s aggressive policies against Palestinians. Maksut emphasized the community’s determination to use their collective power to make their demands known, insisting on the sanctity of their worship spaces and community gatherings.
CAIR also released a Ramadan toolkit at the national level, offering resources to support Muslim community members during the fasting month, including templates for workplace and school accommodations and advocacy materials promoting recognition of Eid and a ceasefire in Gaza.
The organization remains committed to its mission of protecting civil rights, enhancing understanding of Islam, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.