ISCJ Hosts “Solidarity with New Zealand” Event

On Thursday, March 21st, the Islamic Society of Central New Jersey (ISCJ) hosted an event in solidarity with New Zealand in response to the horrific shootings that took place at two mosques which left 51 Muslims dead at the hands of a white supremacist.

The evening began with a gathering of interfaith guests who conversed between themselves about gun control, Islamophobia, and white supremacy. Muslims, non muslims, adults, and children became engaged in writing letters to the New Zealand families affected by the tragedy. These letters, a gesture of global support and an effort to directly alleviate the pain of those affected, were personally addressed to specific families by their names. Above the letter writing stations was a poster board that said, “Our hearts are with you. Love brings us together.”

Many were present to promote this message of love. Among them was South Brunswick Mayor Charlie Carly, who expressed, “Life’s hard enough...let’s remember to stay together. Let’s not indulge in hatred. Let’s indulge in mutual understanding.” Indeed the entire event was a showcase of mutual understanding as people of all backgrounds came to break down barriers. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Department of Health Commissioner Shareef Elnahal, Walter Pullen of Homeland Security, Mayor Liz Lempert, Senator Linda Greenstein, Reverend Sharyl Dixon, Reverend Karen Johnston, Cantor Bruce Rockman, Superintendent Scott Feder, and Sikh representative Mandeep Singh Arora all shared unifying words that encouraged the active mobilization of the local Central Jersey community against hatred.

Heather Ciociola, member of the Sisterhood of Salam Shalom, delivered a heartfelt speech, voicing the true purpose of a community: “My Muslim sisters were one of the first to show up in support for us after Pittsburgh. Now it’s our turn.”

But the evening was not only filled with words of condolence and solidarity. It was also an evening that encouraged real action.

Youth of the ISCJ community, boy scouts, and students of the Noor-ul-Iman school lined up behind a podium, taking turns to share the stories of those who lost their lives on the day of the New Zealand terrorist attack. Each victim profile began with “Say their names” and ended with “one of 51”. This was an initiative to humanize the Muslim victims, counteracting the narrative of mainstream media which chose to humanize the perpetrator instead. As Imam Sohaib later explained, “it is through stories that we change perceptions and reveal the truth.”

South Brunswick Chief of Police Raymond J. Hayducka shared the South Brunswick Police Department Mission statement: “provide effective and efficient police services through the partnership of community, prevent and deter crime as well as reduce the fear of crime, protect property and individual rights through education and enforcement”, promising that his officers would continue to honor this mission everyday. Hayducka emphasized that this mission of “education and enforcement” is what would ensure the safety of mosques such as ISCJ. The South Brunswick fire marshals took a stand as Chief Hayducka spoke to display their own vow of protection for all people in their township.

A panel discussion with influential leaders concluded the evening. David Leonardis of the State Division of Criminal Justice, Reverend Wendi Werner, Rabbi Adam Feldman, Imam Sohaib Sultan, and CAIR NJ Executive Director James Sues explored the ways in which the interfaith community could work to combat hate crimes, mass shootings, and the surge of white supremacy.

Although love and real change was accomplished in one evening at ISCJ, the panel discussion caused many to return home with a newfound motivation to continue uniting with interfaith friends and continue fighting for justice throughout their lifetime.