Muslim Women Condemn Antisemitism in New Jersey

On September 26, 2024, a significant event took place in New Jersey, where the American Muslim and Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) and Muslim Women Speakers (MWS) participated in the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey’s Scott Pazer’s Memorial Speaker Series. This collaboration aimed to promote dialogue and understanding among diverse communities in a time of increasing polarization. Speakers emphasized the need for Muslims to reject radicalism and embrace a more humane interpretation of Islam. Zebunnesa, one of the speakers, condemned the actions of terrorist organizations like Hamas, particularly highlighting their violation of Islamic principles during the October 7th attacks. She raised concerns about the lack of media coverage regarding violence against Israeli women and called for global citizens to advocate for the release of hostages. Her remarks underscored the importance of civilian diplomacy and difficult conversations in achieving peace. Soraya Deen, another prominent figure, discussed the diversity within the Muslim community, categorizing Muslims into three groups: ordinary Muslims, non-violent Islamists, and jihadists. She criticized the victimization narratives that often unjustly target Jews and lamented the failures of religious leaders in addressing the cycle of violence and misunderstanding. Anila Ali shared her experiences working with Jewish organizations to empower Muslim communities post-9/11, emphasizing the need for reform within the Muslim world. The event concluded with AMMWEC acknowledging efforts to elevate Muslim women’s voices against extremism and antisemitism, aiming to bridge gaps in a divided society.