The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) and CAIR Action NJ today condemned anti-Muslim social media posts reportedly made by Justin Goldsman, a public figure who holds several key positions across communities including serving as the chief of staff for a New Jersey state legislator.
Goldsman currently serves as the chair of the Democratic Jewish Caucus, chief of staff for Assemblyman Gary Schaer, and as a commissioner on the West Orange Human Relations Commission.
CAIR-NJ and CAIR Action NJ called on Goldsman to resign from his public positions.
In a post made publicly on what appears to be his Facebook account, Goldsman wrote “we are humans not Muslims” with a heart emoji. That post also included a link to a post made on X by another user that has since been deleted.
In September 2024, Goldsman made another anti-Muslim post on his X account perpetuating an Islamophobic trope. He writes: “Can’t sleep with 72 fake imaginary virgins with a blown off terrorist d–k can you?”
In a statement, CAIR-New Jersey Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“CAIR-NJ condemns in the strongest terms the dehumanizing, anti-Muslim remarks of Justin Goldsman. Such behavior is wildly unbefitting of someone who is in a position of power. Accountability is necessary.
“We are deeply concerned that someone who serves in multiple leadership roles not only holds these views but also feels emboldened enough to share them publicly.
We call on the state party to take appropriate action and New Jersey elected officials to speak out against this vile anti-Muslim rhetoric, which has the potential to incite even more violent bigotry against New Jersey’s Muslim communities.
“Mr. Goldsman should resign from any public position he holds.”
Maksut noted that between January to June 2024, CAIR documented 4,951 incoming bias complaints nationwide, a 69% increase over the same period in 2023.
Earlier this week, CAIR-NJ welcomed bias charges against two people who allegedly attacked a Muslim protester participating in an anti-genocide rally in northern New Jersey in November 2024.
Last year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which revealed the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints. Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.
BACKGROUNDER:
More than 300,000 Muslims call New Jersey their home, make it the state with the largest percentage of Muslims at 3.5%.
The West Orange Human Relations Commission, which Goldsman serves on, makes recommendations to the Mayor that informs policies, procedures and educational programs that will support an agenda that identifies, addresses and dismantles all types of discrimination, bias and injustice based on identities such as race, gender, religion, socio-economic background, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, marital status, ability or sexual orientation, according to its website.
Assemblyman Gary Schaer serves Legislative District 36, which covers parts of Bergen County (Carlstadt, Cliffside Park, East Rutherford, Edgewater, Fairview, Lyndhurst, North Arlington, Ridgefield, Rutherford, Wallington, and Wood-Ridge) and the city of Passaic in Passaic County.
CAIR Action New Jersey is an affiliate of CAIR Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Our mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities. Through our work, we aim to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.
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CONTACT:
Ali Aljarrah, Senior Advisor, CAIR Action, [email protected]
CAIR Action Communications, [email protected]
