Nadia Kahf Appointed as New Jersey’s First Hijab-Wearing Judge:

As Kahf herself said, “Diversity is our strength. It is not our weakness

Nadia Kahf, a family law and immigration attorney from Wayne, has become the first hijab-wearing judge of the Supreme Court of New Jersey. She was appointed as a Superior Court Judge in Passaic County and was nominated for the position by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy a year ago. Kahf took her oath by touching the Quran, a significant moment for the Arab-Muslim community in New Jersey.

Muslim women have served as state judges before in the US, but this is the first time a person wearing a hijab has held the position in New Jersey. Kahf said at the swearing-in ceremony that she is proud to be representing her community and that practicing religion without fear is essential to becoming who we want to be. She also emphasized that diversity is a strength, not a weakness.

Kahf is of Syrian descent and immigrated to the United States from Syria with her family when she was two years old. She has been active in the US social scene for years and is currently the chairwoman of the Islamic Center of Passaic County. Since 2003, Kahf has been a board member of the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil rights organization, and she is currently the Chairperson of the organization. Kahf is also a legal advisor to Wafa House, a voluntary group active in the field of domestic violence and social services in Clifton.

Kahf’s appointment as a judge is a significant step towards greater representation of diverse communities in positions of power in the US. It sends a message to the younger generation that they can achieve their dreams while practicing their religion and maintaining their cultural identity. Kahf’s work with various organizations in the US has demonstrated her commitment to promoting social justice and equality for all, and her appointment as a judge is a testament to her dedication to serving her community.

In conclusion, Kahf’s appointment as the first hijab-wearing judge in New Jersey is a historic moment for the Arab-Muslim community and the US justice system. Her story is an inspiration to many and serves as a reminder that diversity and representation matter in positions of power. As Kahf herself said, “Diversity is our strength. It is not our weakness