The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) and CAIR Action NJ have condemned alleged anti-Muslim social media posts by Justin Goldsman, a public figure holding multiple key roles, including chief of staff for a New Jersey state legislator.

Goldsman serves as chair of the Democratic Jewish Caucus, chief of staff for Assemblyman Gary Schaer, and a commissioner on the West Orange Human Relations Commission.

CAIR-NJ and CAIR Action NJ have called for his resignation from all public positions.

In a publicly visible post on what appears to be his Facebook account, Goldsman wrote, “we are humans not Muslims,” followed by a heart emoji. The post also linked to a now-deleted X post by another user.

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 reported that from January to June 2024, CAIR recorded 4,951 bias complaints nationwide, marking a 69% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Earlier this week, CAIR-NJ welcomed bias charges against two individuals accused of attacking a Muslim protester during an anti-genocide rally in northern New Jersey in November 2024.

Last year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which documented the highest number of complaints in the organization’s 30-year history. Titled Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate, the report recorded 8,061 complaints, with nearly half reported in the final three months of 2023.

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New Jersey is home to over 300,000 Muslims, making up 3.5% of the state’s population—the highest percentage in the nation.

The West Orange Human Relations Commission, where Goldsman serves as a commissioner, advises the Mayor on policies, procedures, and educational programs aimed at identifying, addressing, and eliminating discrimination, bias, and injustice. According to its website, the commission focuses on issues related to race, gender, religion, socio-economic background, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, marital status, ability, and sexual orientation.

Assemblyman Gary Schaer represents Legislative District 36, which includes parts of Bergen County (Carlstadt, Cliffside Park, East Rutherford, Edgewater, Fairview, Lyndhurst, North Arlington, Ridgefield, Rutherford, Wallington, and Wood-Ridge) as well as the city of Passaic in Passaic County.