Paterson, New Jersey, is undergoing a rapid transformation, with local leaders emphasizing Islamic identity and Palestinian nationalism, sparking concerns among critics about the city’s shift away from its historical roots.
The recent Hilal Lighting Ceremony, a city-endorsed event marking Ramadan, is seen as more than a religious celebration, but a political rally for Palestinian nationalism. The ceremony took place in “Little Palestine,” an area of the city now officially renamed Palestine Way in 2022.
Paterson, home to a growing Palestinian population, has seen its streets lined with Palestinian flags and Arabic signage. This cultural shift, led by Muslim elected officials, has led some to question if the city is evolving into an Islamic stronghold.
Muslim politicians, including Mayor Andre Sayegh, Councilmen Shahin Khalique, MD Forid Uddin, and Ibrahim Omar, as well as Deputy Mayor Raed Odeah, are at the forefront of this shift. The officials have championed policies catering to Islamic interests, such as halal food in public schools, school closures for Eid, and the broadcasting of the Adhan (Islamic call to prayer).
During the Hilal Lighting Ceremony, Mayor Sayegh declared Paterson “the capital of Palestine in the United States,” and referred to it as the “fourth holiest city in the world” after Jerusalem, Mecca, and Medina. These statements, along with efforts to prioritize Islamic practices in the city, have raised concerns about the future direction of Paterson.
The event was supported by several organizations with strong pro-Palestinian ties, including the Palestinian American Community Center (PACC) and the Islamic Center of Passaic County (ICPC), both of which have been accused of promoting radical pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel rhetoric.
The political shift in Paterson has led to questions about the role of Islamic influence in American cities and the line between cultural representation and political activism. Critics argue that the city’s transformation into an Islamic and Palestinian enclave could undermine the values that have traditionally defined Paterson.
As Paterson continues to evolve, the city’s identity remains a contentious issue, with Muslim leaders asserting their political and religious influence and others raising concerns about the implications for the broader community.
Horrifying, the mayor of Paterson, NJ declares that it is not an American city, it is a Palestinian city.
— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) March 9, 2025
“Paterson is the capital of Palestine in the United States of America.”
pic.twitter.com/uWOB35omDW
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