3/18/2021 - Statement Against The Targeting of Asian Americans

March 18th, 2021

NJMLA STATEMENT AGAINST THE TARGETING OF ASIAN AMERICANS

The New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association stands in solidarity with the Asian Americans in fight against hate. The brutal murders of eight women in Atlanta is a hate crime. We pray for the victims and their families. The New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association pledges to be allies to all communities of color and affinity bar organizations to stand up against racist violence in all its forms. We are strongest when we stand together. An act of hate against one community affects all of us. Since the beginning of the pandemic, crimes targeting Asian Americans have increased with women being the primary targets. This is simply unacceptable. We ask that our leaders stand up and take the necessary action against these senseless acts.

As Muslims and attorneys, it is our duty to stand up against injustice; not just without voices, but with our actions. We are guided by the following verse from the Quran: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for God, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, God is more worthy of both . . . . [I]ndeed God is ever, with what you do acquainted.” (4:135)

In Solidarity,

New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association