(Bergen Record) Feras Awwad dreamed of entering politics and government one day to help his community and change the negative narratives about Muslims he heard growing up after the 9/11 attacks.
Last year, at age 26, he seized the opportunity, winning election to the Clifton Board of Education.
“With the Muslim ban and everything else going on, it was basically: How can I take a back seat on this?” Awwad said, referring to then-President Donald Trump’s policy restricting Muslim travelers. “I just have to jump in and take charge and represent the Muslim community as best I can and have a positive impact.”
Awwad is one of at least 40 Muslims serving in elected office in New Jersey, two-thirds of whom were elected in the past four years — part of a surge in activism and civic involvement in the era of Trump.
