Muslim Becomes Mayor of NJ, Despite Fliers Alleging Terror Links

November 13, 2005

Source: Newsday

Wire Service: AP

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj--muslimmayor-flier1113nov13,0,5973136.story

On November 13, 2005 the Associated Press reported, "The anonymous flier mailed to households days before a new mayor was to be chosen was direct and devastating in its claims: A Muslim council member, one of three candidates for the post, was 'a betrayer living among us' with ties to the 9/11 terrorists. The mailing said Mohamed Khairullah 'should not be living in our clean town' and 'will try to poison our thoughts about our great country.' But the letter failed to derail his candidacy; the Borough Council chose Khairullah in a 4-0 vote Wednesday night, making him one of only two Muslim mayors in New Jersey. 'The people of Prospect Park are great people,' said Khairullah, 30, a high school teacher. 'I'm just happy to have this opportunity.' Arab-Americans and Muslims make up about 15 percent of this half-square-mile borough's population of nearly 5,800; Hispanics account for about 40 percent, with Caucasians and African-Americans representing most of the remainder."