Last summer, New Jersey Representative Tom Kean Jr. was photographed with Ibrar Zulfiqar Bhutta, also known as Ibrar Nadeem, a GOP activist who has faced accusations of homophobia and antisemitism.
Nadeem shared two images on Facebook on August 22, 2025, one featuring Kean and another with Jack Ciattarelli, who was then a Republican gubernatorial candidate.
“Two powerful days, two powerful meetings,” Nadeem commented. “Back-to-back, I had the honor of meeting with Congressman Tom Kean Jr., son of New Jersey’s former governor, and with Jack Ciattarelli, our future Governor of New Jersey.”
During this period, Nadeem worked as the executive director of Muslim relations for Ciattarelli’s campaign.
On October 18, at a campaign event in Piscataway, Nadeem represented Ciattarelli, advocating for a ban on same-sex marriage and proudly stating he did not accept donations from Jewish individuals.
“Somebody said you are taking money from Jews,” Nadeem remarked. “I check my bank account every day, brother. It is not there.”
The comments led to criticism from various New Jersey officials, who urged Ciattarelli to dismiss Nadeem.
Livingston Deputy Mayor Shawn Klein expressed concerns to NJ.com, stating, “I don’t know the heart of this man who is speaking, but with his comments, he’s either speaking against Jews himself or to others in the room who are clearly antisemitic.”
Kean refrained from condemning the remarks and continued supporting Ciattarelli’s campaign.
This silence contrasts with Kean’s frequent commitments to combat antisemitism, a topic he often addresses in Congress and during his campaign activities.
In September, Kean posted on social media, “At a time when antisemitic hate has reached alarming levels, I am pleased to stand with the Jewish community in the U.S. and around the world in calling out this evil.”
On January 14, Nadeem shared the photo with Kean once more, including another individual identified as “Uncle Ashraf,” a local pharmacist and business owner.
“Uncle Ashraf has built a legacy through service and sincerity,” Nadeem stated. “It was a true honor to stand beside him and Congressman Kean Jr. in my office.”
In his tenure as a state senator, Kean opposed marriage equality for New Jerseyans in 2010 and 2012 but now claims to support same-sex unions.
Kean is seeking a third term in the House this election year.
The post Kean posed with GOP activist accused of antisemitism and homophobia appeared first on American Journal News.
—
Read More Kitchen Table News
