Muslim women candidates for local office face racist attacks in Massachusetts

In recent years, Muslim Americans have become actively involved in politics, with more than 180 Muslim candidates running in the 2020 elections in 28 states

BOSTON, Massachusetts – In Massachusetts, two Muslim women running for local office have faced targeted attacks on their campaign materials.

Ayah Al-Zubi, a candidate for Cambridge City Council, discovered her stolen bicycle and torn campaign flyers covered in offensive graffiti outside her home.

Worcester City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj reported that her home was shot at with a baseball and campaign signs were knocked over in front of her home.

In recent years, Muslim Americans have become actively involved in politics, with more than 180 Muslim candidates running in the 2020 elections in 28 states.

However, they have faced backlash, bigotry, and violence.

Recently, a woman was convicted of making derogatory comments about a hijab-wearing council member.

Ayah Al-Zubi, a Harvard graduate, said she felt unsafe and filed a police report.

Etel Haxhiaj, the first Muslim and Albanian American was elected in 2021.

On Friday night, Haxhiaj, who is running for re-election, posted a photo of her lawn showing knocked-over campaign signs.

She said police have not yet taken action on her complaint.

Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, executive director of the Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said she knows the risk of running for office as a visible Muslim woman.

In 2018, she ran for Massachusetts’ 1st Congressional District but ultimately lost in the primary.