Paterson, New Jersey, has been dubbed the “Palestine of America” by local leaders, reflecting the city’s growing Palestinian and Muslim identity.
The proclamation came during a Ramadan kickoff event on February 28th, where Mayor Andre Sayegh proudly referred to Paterson as “the capital of Palestine in the United States” and suggested it ranks as the “fourth holiest city in the world” alongside Jerusalem, Mecca, and Medina.
New Jersey’s First Islamic City…
— Amy Mek (@AmyMek) March 8, 2025
Paterson Declared ‘CAPITAL OF PALESTINE’ by Elected Officials – the "Mecca' of NJ 🚨
Muslim politicians and their left-wing enablers have seized control of Paterson, raised Palestinian flags on government buildings, and are openly boasting… pic.twitter.com/tlMBIz5dTU
The event, known as the Hilal Lighting Ceremony, was held in the city’s South Paterson neighborhood—often called “Little Palestine”—and was supported by the Palestinian American Community Center (PACC) and the Islamic Center of Passaic County (ICPC).
The ceremony celebrated the start of the Islamic holy month while showcasing Paterson’s deep ties to its Palestinian community, evidenced by the raising of Palestinian flags on government buildings and the renaming of Main Street to “Palestine Way” in 2022.
Paterson, a city of approximately 160,000 residents, boasts one of the highest Muslim populations per capita in the United States, with estimates of 25,000 to 30,000 Muslims, many of whom are of Palestinian descent. This demographic shift has transformed the city over recent decades, with Arabic signage lining streets and Palestinian culture woven into the fabric of daily life.
Mayor Sayegh, the city’s first Arab-American mayor elected in 2018, emphasized this evolution, calling Paterson “The Mecca of New Jersey” and highlighting policies like halal food options in schools and the public broadcast of the Adhan, the Muslim call to prayer.
The declaration has elicited a range of reactions. Supporters view it as a powerful affirmation of cultural pride and solidarity with Palestinians worldwide. Rania Mustafa, a Paterson native and leader of the PACC, used the event to call for support of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, framing the city’s stance as a beacon of resistance. “This is about recognizing our roots and standing with our people,” Mustafa said to an applauding crowd.
Critics, however, see the move as divisive. Some residents and commentators argue that labeling Paterson the “Palestine of America” prioritizes one community’s identity over the city’s historically diverse character. Online posts on X have reflected this tension, with users expressing alarm, such as one who wrote, “They have seized control of the city council and now a Muslim city has been declared. Oh Jesus we need you so badly.” Others question whether the rhetoric signals a shift toward religious or political dominance in local governance.
Mayor Sayegh, a Democrat in his second term, has downplayed the controversy, framing his comments as municipal boosterism akin to calling Paterson the “capital of the Dominican Republic” during a speech to Dominican-American residents. “It’s about celebrating who we are and the communities that make Paterson strong,” he told reporters. Yet the city’s formal ties to Palestine, including a 2023 sister-city agreement with Ramallah, suggest a deeper commitment to this identity.
On Saturday, New Jersey Gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea traveled to Paterson to protest the declaration.