NJ Muslim Organizations and Coalition Partners Stand in Solidarity with Linda Sarsour

By: Alaa Essafi  | Illustration By: Zayna Sheikh   

The controversy began after activist Linda Sarsour was featured at a Muslim delegates assembly at the Democratic National Convention, where she spoke to the importance of voter engagement in the Muslim community. President Trump and politicians from both parties rushed to attack the Democratic National Convention for giving Linda a platform claiming she is antisemitic because of her participation in the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement and her vocal criticism of the Israeli government. 

Joe Biden’s campaign spokesperson Andrew Bates said, “Joe Biden has been a strong supporter of Israel and a vehement opponent of anti-Semitism his entire life, and he obviously condemns her views and opposes BDS, as does the Democratic platform.”

In response to these attacks, CAIR-NJ formed a coalition alongside several other organizations such as American Muslims for Palestine, The Muslim Network, Jews for Palestinian Right of Return, and more in solidarity with Linda Sarsour. The letter has garnered 35 signatories. 

The letter states, “It is past time that the false equivalence between criticism of the Israeli government and anti-Semitism be denounced.”

Following the Biden campaign’s disavowal of Linda Sarsour, campaign adviser Symone Sanders tweeted out blanket support for Muslims and Arab Americans saying, "The Biden campaign will continue to engage regularly with Muslim Americans and Arab Americans about issues important to their communities."  However, the Biden campaign’s attempt at damage control did nothing to quell nationwide backlash at yet another smear campaign against Linda Sarsour and her efforts to advocate for Palestinian rights. 

According to a recording obtained by The Middle East Eye, Biden aides made a private apology on a call with community activists. CAIR New Jersey, coalition partners, and signatories demand a public apology and retraction from the Biden team.

“It is past time that the false equivalence between criticism of the Israeli government and anti-Semitism be denounced.”

Additionally, the coalition called out Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District for his tweet against Sarsour calling for, “....immediate retractions and meaningful apologies from those responsible for this conduct.”

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a staunch supporter of Israel,  tweeted on August 19th, “Linda Sarsour is a noted anti-Semite and opponent of the State of Israel and should never have been given a platform to speak. I join Vice President Biden in condemning her hateful rhetoric and bigotry.”

In a statement, CAIR New Jersey Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said, “This coalition of 35 diverse community organizations is a testament to the changing tides in New Jersey and our nation at large. We no longer tolerate Islamophobia from our elected officials.”

The upcoming election is the time for New Jersey Muslims, and Muslims across the country to refuse the tokenisation of the Muslim population. Instead we must mobilize to support candidates that will not  use our community for diversity brownie points then throw our organizers and leaders under the bus when it comes to the issues that matter.