CUNY’s Ramzi Kassem Accuses Israel of ‘Ethnic Cleansing’ and ‘Systematic Genocide’
White House adviser Ramzi Kassem (YouTube)
A legal group founded by a Biden administration official is vowing to defend Hamas sympathizers in New York City. Demonstrators in Times Square recently expressed support for the killing of innocent Israelis. Ramzi Kassem, a member of the president’s Domestic Policy Council, established CLEAR in 2009. CLEAR is a project at City University of New York that provides free legal assistance to Muslims in New York City. On Sunday, CLEAR announced that it would ensure the protection of pro-Hamas demonstrators as they continue their fight for the liberation of Palestine.
This guarantee of legal protection is likely to embolden the demonstrators who gathered in Times Square, waving flags and signs with the slogan ”From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which calls for the eradication of the Jewish state. These protesters showed solidarity with the Iran-backed terrorist group’s killing of Israelis. One demonstrator argued that the killings were an act of self-defense, while another displayed a swastika on his phone. Three people were arrested for disorderly conduct, but it is unclear if Kassem’s group is defending them.
CLEAR’s commitment to protecting terrorist sympathizers reflects the Biden administration’s support for anti-Israel activists. Kassem, a professor at City University of New York, was appointed by Biden as a policy adviser on immigration. Prior to that, Kassem defended al-Qaeda terrorists held at Guantanamo Bay and expressed his disdain for the Jewish state, claiming that Israel engages in “systematic genocide” and “ethnic cleansing.” He also argued that a Jewish majority in Israel is neither “viable” nor “desirable.”
Neither the White House nor CLEAR has responded to requests for comment. Kassem’s online bio identifies him as a senior policy adviser for immigration at the White House Domestic Policy Council.
The Times Square demonstration took place one day after Hamas terrorists launched a devastating attack against Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages. The event was organized by the Democratic Socialists of America’s New York City chapter, who called for their supporters to rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their struggle against occupation and apartheid.
While some New York Democrats condemned the rally, others have direct ties to its organizers. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman, both members of the Democratic Socialists of America’s New York City chapter, have not commented on the event.
The Workers World Party, another socialist organization, held an “Emergency Rally For Gaza” outside the Israeli consulate, referring to it as the “Zionist embassy.” In a social media post, the party expressed support for Hamas terrorism against Israel, stating that they stand in unwavering solidarity with Palestinians resisting colonial occupation.
Kassem is known for representing controversial clients. He defended Ahmed al-Darbi, an Islamic terrorist involved in planning a 2002 attack on a French-flagged oil tanker, as well as a relative who participated in the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. Kassem has also downplayed the severity of the 9/11 attacks, suggesting that the perpetrators were driven by political realities shaped by US policies.
How does offering legal assistance to pro-Hamas demonstrators potentially undermine efforts to combat terrorism and promote peace in the region
He has long been an outspoken critic of Israel and has been accused of promoting anti-Semitism. In a recent interview, Kassem accused Israel of “ethnic cleansing” and “systematic genocide” against the Palestinian people.
These inflammatory statements are not only false but also dangerous. Accusing Israel of ethnic cleansing and genocide undermines the country’s right to self-defense and demonizes the Jewish state. It ignores the complex history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and fails to acknowledge the role played by Palestinian militant groups like Hamas in perpetuating violence.
Israel has the right to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks. The country faces constant threats from Hamas and other terrorist organizations that indiscriminately target Israeli civilians. To label Israel’s defensive actions as ethnic cleansing or genocide is not only inaccurate but also offensive to the victims of true ethnic cleansing and genocide throughout history.
Moreover, Kassem’s support for Hamas sympathizers raises serious questions about his judgment and the goals of his organization, CLEAR. Hamas is recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and many other countries. It has a long history of committing acts of violence against innocent civilians, including suicide bombings and rocket attacks.
By offering legal assistance to pro-Hamas demonstrators, CLEAR is effectively endorsing and legitimizing a terrorist group. This sends a dangerous message and undermines efforts to combat terrorism and promote peace in the region. It also raises concerns about the use of taxpayer-funded resources to support individuals and organizations with ties to terrorism.
The Biden administration should reevaluate its association with Ramzi Kassem and his organization. While it is important to protect the rights of all individuals, supporting individuals with ties to terrorist organizations undermines the security and stability of our society.
It is crucial to promote a balanced and informed understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This includes recognizing the legitimate security concerns of Israel and acknowledging the responsibility of Palestinian leaders to stop inciting violence and promote peaceful coexistence.
Accusations of ethnic cleansing and genocide are serious and should not be made lightly. We must be cautious and responsible in our use of language to ensure that we do not perpetuate false narratives that further fuel tensions in an already volatile region.
As the Biden administration continues to navigate complex foreign policy challenges, it is important to prioritize truth, diplomacy, and promoting a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Accusations of ethnic cleansing and genocide only serve to hinder progress and perpetuate division.
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