In the last two and a half months, our phones have incessantly rung, receiving more reports of bias and requests for help than the previous 9 months. A media narrative that dehumanizes the suffering of Palestinians has made us the targets of resurging hatred. Schools, businesses, and elected officials have consistently marginalized Palestinians in their statements, perpetuating more hostility against Muslims in New Jersey and across the nation.
At CAIR-NJ, we find ourselves inundated with calls for help at an unprecedented volume. Muslims in New Jersey are encountering hate at every turn, with distressing stories that include:
- Girls having their hijabs forcibly pulled off at school and in public.
- Teachers labeling students as "terrorists" for displaying a Palestinian flag.
- A notable rise in school bullying against Muslim students.
- Mistreatment of Muslim customers by café workers.
- The Quran was discovered torn apart on the floor of a restaurant.
- Racist neighbors harassing Muslims and vandalizing their property.
- A dedicated physician losing their job for speaking out about Palestine.
- Medical school students facing review for expressing their opinions on Palestine.
- A staff accountant fired for requesting to take off for the Global Strike.
- A Target employee fired for tweeting about Palestinian humanity.
We are tirelessly working around the clock to assist our community, but sustaining this effort is impossible without your support.
We are hosting press conferences to address bias in the media and community events to educate people about their rights in a variety of settings. Our legal department is working directly with clients to bring forth justice.
Your donation, no matter how small, will assist us in addressing these stories and working toward justice. Help us support our fellow Muslims who are experiencing an increased level of fear, anxiety, and paralysis – be it at home, the workplace, in public, or at school.
In line with our updated goals, we are looking to fill crucial positions to strengthen our impact:
- Paralegal: To ensure every New Jersey Muslim receives the legal defense they deserve, we are seeking a passionate paralegal to join our team.
- Government Affairs Manager: Building bridges with elected officials is crucial. We need a skilled Government Affairs Manager to hold them accountable and foster open communication.
- Advocacy & Community Relations Coordinator: With your support, we can expand our reach across New Jersey. An Advocacy & Community Relations Coordinator will empower local leaders and spearhead impactful campaigns.
- Communications Associate: Combating harmful narratives requires a strong voice. We're searching for a Communications Associate to craft compelling content that counters hate and amplifies our message.
Your support keeps our mission alive, and your generosity is the key to helping our community. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and stand against the rising tide of hatred.