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The Trump bump? With a surge of election wins, Muslims make their mark on NJ politics
Smita Nadia Hussain is one of many Muslim women elected to office in the past 4 years
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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.”