NJ Mayor declares Paterson the heart of Palestinian pride in America 

Paterson, New Jersey, is undergoing a significant transformation, with local leaders increasingly emphasizing Islamic identity and Palestinian nationalism, raising concerns about the city’s departure from its historical roots.

The recent Hilal Lighting Ceremony, a city-endorsed event celebrating Ramadan, was not just a religious gathering but has been seen by some as a political rally for Palestinian nationalism. The ceremony took place in “Little Palestine,” an area of the city officially renamed Palestine Way in 2022.

Paterson, home to a growing Palestinian population, is visibly changing, with Palestinian flags and Arabic signage now lining its streets. This cultural shift is spearheaded by Muslim elected officials, such as Mayor Andre Sayegh and Councilmen Shahin Khalique, MD Forid Uddin, Ibrahim Omar, and Deputy Mayor Raed Odeah. These leaders have championed policies that cater to the Islamic community, including the introduction of halal food in public schools, school closures for Eid, and the broadcasting of the Adhan (Islamic call to prayer).

At the Hilal Lighting Ceremony, Mayor Sayegh declared Paterson as “the capital of Palestine in the United States,” calling it the “fourth holiest city in the world” after Jerusalem, Mecca, and Medina. These declarations, alongside the promotion of Islamic practices, have sparked concern about the city's evolving identity.

The event was supported by organizations with strong pro-Palestinian ties, such as the Palestinian American Community Center (PACC) and the Islamic Center of Passaic County (ICPC), both of which have faced scrutiny for their controversial pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel rhetoric.

The shift in Paterson has raised questions about the growing influence of Islamic politics in American cities and where to draw the line between cultural representation and political activism. Critics argue that Paterson’s transformation into a predominantly Islamic and Palestinian enclave could undermine the American values the city was once known for.