CAIR New Jersey to Lobby Against International Antisemitism Definition as Part of Multi-State Campaign
CAIR New Jersey's upcoming "Muslim Day of Advocacy" event features anti-Israel activists Linda Sarsour and Shaun King—seeking to oppose adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), New Jersey, is set to host its latest “Muslim Day of Advocacy” on November 13. The event will feature American activist Linda Sarsour, known for her anti-Israel rhetoric, alongside Shaun King, both of whom will address attendees at the State House in Trenton.
The organization’s New Jersey chapter has partnered with several anti-Israel activist groups including American Muslims for Palestine NJ and the Palestinian American Community Center, organizations that have consistently opposed U.S. support for Israel and promoted boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) campaigns.
Anti-Israel Agenda at the Forefront
A primary focus of these lobbying efforts is opposition to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which has been adopted by dozens of countries and numerous U.S. institutions. The IHRA definition includes certain forms of anti-Israel rhetoric as examples of contemporary antisemitism, such as denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination.
CAIR-NJ explicitly lists “opposing adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism” as a key legislative priority, arguing that the internationally recognized definition would “impede the freedom of speech to criticize the Israeli government.” Critics counter that this framing conflates legitimate policy criticism with antisemitic rhetoric that delegitimizes Israel’s existence or applies double standards to the Jewish state.
Controversial Speakers
Thursday’s New Jersey event will prominently feature Linda Sarsour, an anti-Israel activist who became embroiled in controversy over her relationship with Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. As a co-chair of the Women’s March, Sarsour faced widespread criticism for her refusal to adequately denounce Farrakhan’s antisemitic statements. The controversy eventually led to her departure from the Women’s March leadership in 2019.
Sarsour has been a vocal advocate for BDS campaigns against Israel and has made controversial statements, including declaring that Zionism is incompatible with feminism. Sarsour has consistently worked to mainstream anti-Israel positions within progressive movements.
Joining her is Shaun King, an activist who has faced his own set of controversies. King has been repeatedly accused of mismanaging charitable funds, with activists questioning where millions of dollars raised for various causes ultimately went. In 2019, he threatened legal action against activists who publicly questioned his fundraising practices. More recently, in 2024, CAIR’s Minnesota chapter withdrew King as a keynote speaker after facing backlash, including criticism over his false claims about playing a role in the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Pattern Across Multiple States
Recent CAIR-organized events include Pennsylvania’s Muslim Capitol Day on October 28 and Ohio’s event on October 30. Earlier this year, Georgia (February 27), Florida (April 8), California (May 12), New York (May 27), and Massachusetts (June 10) all hosted similar lobbying days, with some drawing over 150 participants.
The scope and coordination of CAIR’s events, combined with its alleged ties to Hamas and an explicitly anti-Israel agenda, have raised concerns among national security experts and federal lawmakers.
Senator Tom Cotton’s August 2025 letter to the IRS requesting investigation into CAIR’s tax-exempt status, followed by the October Treasury Department investigation request, reflects growing congressional scrutiny of the organization’s activities.