By JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer
Residents around the community have been showing signs of support to Muslims who have been facing discrimination since President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning citizens from seven countries in the Middle East for three months until the U.S. can improve its vetting process.
Although there is no direct ban on Muslims from Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen and Iraq, the Islamic community is still facing hateful rhetoric from some — and yet encouragement from others.
On Jan. 30, Azra Baig of South Brunswick was shopping at a sporting goods store in North Brunswick when a customer in front of her told the cashier that “the Muslim ban was long overdue.”
“Obviously he’s saying that because he saw me wearing a scarf,” Baig said. “His comment was meant to harass me.”
However, Baig said the cashier stood up for her, telling the man that most terrorist attacks are done by white Americans and that Muslims are not to blame.
“I’m really happy she stood up for me in light of all the craziness we’ve been experiencing,” Baig said of the young woman, who wished to remain nameless.
However, this was not Baig’s first experience with Islamophobia. As a South Brunswick Board of Education member, her campaign signs were defaced with graffiti during the election season last year. She also recalled a woman refusing to get on an elevator with her because she was Muslim. She said her friend told her that when she was standing with a box at the post office, the person behind her asked if there was a bomb in it.
“This past year, there is an unprecedented amount of hatred because of the political rhetoric of the president and of all the Republican candidates,” she said.
To counteract that, Baig has attended various protests the past few weeks.
“It’s nice to see an outpouring of support from so many people of all walks of life,” she said. “These things are reassuring that people will use the right judgment and do good things.”
She said to combat the hatred toward Muslims, education is key.
“Protests and demonstrations are showing the world, the country, the nation, that we will stand up for justice … and what is constitutional,” she said. “People are still unaware of the Islamic faith. … Other places across the country don’t know about Muslims and think ISIS has to do with our faith and it gets negative.”
She asked people to have compassion and humanity, noting that she is a nurse and takes care of everyone the same way.
“It’s scary. The Muslim community is scared and has a valid reason to be.”
In order to protect its own citizens, the South Brunswick Police Department is trying to deflect that fear.
In light of a deadly shooting at a mosque in Canada on Jan. 29, Police Chief Raymond Hayducka released the following statement, especially since an Islamic mosque is located in town:
“Our top priority is the safety and security of our community. The events of last night in Canada have increased concerns by many. I have been in contact with members of the Islamic Society of Central Jersey and reassured them of our commitment. We have enhanced our presence around the mosque as both a deterrence and reassurance. We continue to work with our county, state and federal law enforcement partners on intelligence sharing. There is no information of any threats to our community. We ask the public to be vigilant and to report anything unusual or suspicious.”
In addition, the North Brunswick Township Council welcomed members of the New Brunswick Islamic Center (NBIC) to its council workshop meeting on Jan. 30.
“Our community is going through a very rough time right now,” said Sami Catovic, executive director of the NBIC, which is located on Livingston Avenue in North Brunswick. “We thank the township and the mayor for the support he’s given our community.”
Mayor Francis “Mac” Womack said that he is “proud” that North Brunswick is one of the most diverse towns in New Jersey.
He also said he reached out to Superintendent of Schools Brian Zychowski to try to plan an integrated program within the schools.
Womack also initiated the North Brunswick Human Relations Committee last year to bridge the gap between citizens of all backgrounds.
“We support all of our residents and all of our people,” Womack said.
South Brunswick has its own Human Relations Commission. The purpose is to serve the community at large by promoting good will, fostering communication and respect among groups and individuals, seeking ways to end all forms of discrimination and providing cultural and educational programs.
Contact Jennifer Amato at jamato@gmnews.com.
