CNBNews

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 3/17/2023) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) plans to join New Jersey community leaders at the State House Annex in Trenton to testify in support of the Muslim Heritage Month resolution [AJR194].  

WHEN:  Monday, March 20, 2023, at 2pm  

WHERE: State House Annex, 125 W State St, Trenton, NJ 08608, Committee Room 13, 4th floor  

The resolution, which designates January of each year as “Muslim Heritage Month” in New Jersey, calls upon local government agencies and organizations to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and educational programs that pay homage to the growing American Muslim community.   

The resolution is sponsored by Assemblywoman McKnight (LD-31), Assemblywoman Speight (LD-29), and Assemblywoman Chaparro (LD-33), and co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Jaffer (LD-16), Assemblyman Stanley (LD-18), Assemblywoman Haider (LD-37), Assemblyman DePhillips (LD-40), and Assemblyman Atkins (LD-20).  

SEE:  CAIR-NJ Leads Coalition Urging NJ State Assembly to Pass Muslim Heritage Month Resolution  

SEE: New Jersey State Legislature Livestream 

New Jersey has the highest percentage of Muslims in the U.S., at 3.5 percent. New Jersey also leads the way for local representation, with over 40 Muslim elected officials. Last year, the state elected the first ever Muslims to the New Jersey State Legislature, Sadaf Jaffer and Shama Haidar.  

However, anti-Muslim incidents are on the rise. CAIR-NJ received over 150 calls for help in 2022 alone. The resolution seeks to push back against anti-Muslim bigotry by celebrating American Muslims and shedding a positive light on the community.