Sadaf Jaffer: “Most fearful I’ve ever been for the future of our country, our state, and specifically the Muslim community”

Sadaf Jaffer Remarks Islamophobia Press Conference:

Dear respected community leaders, allies, and elected officials,

I stand before you today the most fearful I’ve ever been for the future of our country, our state, and specifically the Muslim community due to the barrage of anti-Muslim hate and policy promulgated from the most local to the highest offices in our country.

I fear we may be on the precipice of mass arrests, deportations, and internment. We’ve already seeing these outrages begin.

The International Day to Combat Islamophobia was established after a white supremacist live streamed himself entering a mosque and killing over 50 peaceful worshippers. Attacks like this happen because Muslim humanity is denied and diminished in our society. Though I was born and raised in this country, ever since I was a young child, I have felt the sting of othering. When I was in the second grade, a classmate asked if I was the enemy. This was only the first of many messages I’ve received telling my I don’t belong and that I’m not welcome.

My entire professional career has been dedicated to educating people about our shared past and present and trying to bring people from all backgrounds together for the common good. As mayor of my town, I led Montgomery through the covid pandemic to protect everyone’s health and helped build a library and municipal center that our entire community could benefit from.

Yet, I left elected office due to the fear of my family being a target. Muslim parents across New Jersey have kept their children home from school out of fear of the harm they may face. After the horrific murder of six-year-old Wadea al-Fayoumi by his landlord, a senseless killing that was motivated by anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate, I simply couldn’t abide my child getting on the school bus the next day and kept her home within arm’s reach and right before my eyes.

As an educator, I worry for my students. We’re currently seeing the rounding up of political prisoners like Mahmoud Khalil who simply advocated for his political perspective. I have already seen academic colleagues resign from their positions due to governmental harassment and the failure of leaders to stand up for their rights. How can I in good conscience tell my students to stand up for what they believe in when we, as a society, are silencing them based on their perceived religion and background?

I’m thankful to Governor Murphy for the resolution announcing March 15 as the day to combat Islamophobia. We need our legislators and political leaders to do more to support the struggle against anti-Muslim hate. We all deserve the same rights.

I would specifically ask our legislators to reject the adoption of the IHRA definition (S1292/A3558) which conflates criticism of Israeli policy with antisemitism. These are precisely the justifications being used to target young people and universities and anyone who speaks for Palestinian rights. We need our leaders to protect the rights of students, of young people, of all people in this state to use our voices. The right to free speech shouldn’t depend on the color of one’s skin, ethnic background, or religion.

To our leaders, your Muslim constituents need your support and solidarity, now more than ever. Please represent us and support equality, dignity, and humanity. This is the best way to ensure that we address anti-Muslim hate. Thank you.