Silent Screams Exhibition at the New Jersey Statehouse: A Message of Justice from U.S. Lawmakers

The Silent Screams Exhibition, organized to draw attention to human rights violations in Türkiye, welcomed visitors at the New Jersey Statehouse on October 29, 2026, marking its official 45th showing. Thirty high school and university students volunteering at the exhibition shared the victims’ stories with U.S. elected officials. Three state Assembly members and one state senator attended the event.

Organized by Advocates of Silenced Turkey (AST) and the Turkish Cultural Center New Jersey, with contributions from the Central Jersey Community Center (CJCC) and the Insight Foundation, the exhibition took place in Trenton, the state capital. Previously held at the New York and Pennsylvania state capitols, the exhibition presented visitors with the stories of people subjected to rights violations in Türkiye through their personal belongings and testimonies.

30 Young Volunteers Shared the Victims’ Stories

One of the highlights of the exhibition was the active participation of 30 young volunteers, all high school and university students. Stationed at tables throughout the exhibition space, they told visitors the stories behind the personal belongings. Lawmakers and other attendees learned firsthand from the young volunteers about the rights violations taking place in Türkiye.

A Message of Justice and Solidarity from State Lawmakers

New Jersey Assemblywoman Shama Haider spoke of the love and respect for Türkiye in Pakistan, and said the human rights violations in the country deeply concern her. She emphasized the need to bring the issue to the attention of other lawmakers and to work together for change.

Assemblyman Sterley Stanley described the stories he heard as heartbreaking. Stating that the rights violations need to reach a wider audience, Stanley pointed to the example of Brazil to say that democratic change is possible and that hope must be kept alive.

Assemblyman Gary Schaer said the rights violations in Türkiye also concern the community living in New Jersey. Noting that he wants to bring the issue to the attention of other elected officials, Schaer said “Inshallah” in his remarks, expressing his hope that the rights violations will end and that justice will be served for all.

Senator Timberlake’s Message of Support for Immigrant Youth

New Jersey State Senator Britnee N. Timberlake also visited the exhibition, stopping at each table. After listening to the victims’ stories from the young volunteers, Timberlake expressed deep sorrow over the human rights violations in Türkiye. She said she would do everything she can to better support young people who have been forced to leave their country because of this situation.

Three New Stories Displayed for the First Time

The exhibition featured the stories and personal belongings of three people for the first time.

These were the stories of public relations specialist Filiz Turun, who was reportedly denied access to medical treatment and subjected to strip searches; police chief Anadolu Atayün, who led an operation against sellers of genetically modified rice and has been in prison for ten years; and Yüsra Mesude Aslan, a journalist living in exile.

Aiming to make human rights violations in Türkiye visible through personal testimonies and keepsakes, the Silent Screams Exhibition reached its 45th showing in New Jersey. The organizers aim to bring the victims’ stories to wider audiences by holding the exhibition in different cities.