Virginia School Board Member Against Moment of Silence for Hamas Attack Victims
Fairfax County School Board Member Opposes Moment of Silence for Hamas Attack Victims
In a controversial move, Fairfax County School Board member Abrar Omeish, who previously opposed a resolution honoring the victims of the 9/11 attacks, has now opposed a moment of silence for the victims of the Hamas attacks.
Omeish’s father, Esam Omeish, has a controversial history as the former director of the Dar al-Hijrah mosque in Falls Church, Virginia. This mosque hired Anwar al-Awlaki as its imam, who was later ordered to be killed by a drone strike by President Barack Obama. The mosque was also attended by two of the 9/11 hijackers and the shooter in the 2009 attack on Fort Hood, Texas.
“It might seem simple,” Omeish stated. “Aggressors attacking families in a state, seeking vengeance.”
Omeish further criticized the idea of ”humanizing” the 1300 Israelis murdered by Hamas, arguing that biases often lead us to sympathize with those who look more like us. However, she failed to acknowledge the diverse physical appearances of Israelis, including those from Ethiopia, Thailand, various Arab nations, Europe, and Jews who have lived there for centuries.
“But doing so obscures the root of the violence,” she continued, referring to the Hamas attack as an “escalation.” She emphasized the importance of addressing problems, acknowledging realities, and allowing diverse voices to be heard to prevent such escalations. She also dismissed calls for peace, claiming that true peace requires justice.
Fairfax County School Board member Abrar Omeish opposes a moment of silence for victims of the Hamas attacks
Her father is Esam Omeish. He is the former president of a group identified as the “overt arm” of the U.S. Muslim Brotherhood.
Esam also served on the board of Dar al… pic.twitter.com/DBdpPzEG4V
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) October 13, 2023
In 2021, Omeish opposed a school board resolution calling for a moment of silence to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of 9/11. She argued that the resolution failed to address the “state-sponsored traumas” experienced by Muslims.
Omeish expressed her trust in the Fairfax County Public School’s equity team to address these concerns and incorporate them into their broader anti-racist and anti-bias work.
Decuir, an advisor to the equity team, produced a video for the Virginia Department of Education, instructing educators on how to teach about 9/11. The video emphasized avoiding false assumptions of Muslim responsibility and rejecting American exceptionalism.
In a graduation speech, Omeish warned a predominantly immigrant class of high schoolers about the presence of “white supremacy” in the world and encouraged them to remember their “jihad” while rejecting objectivity and neutrality. She also gained attention for not placing her hand over her heart during the pledge of allegiance at another graduation ceremony.
Related: School Board Member Whose Father Led 9/11 Hijackers’ Mosque Opposes Resolution Honoring Victims
Luke Rosiak contributed to this story.
How does Omeish’s opposition to a moment of silence for the victims of the Hamas attacks affect the perception of her stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
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I am not anti-Semitic for criticizing Israeli violence and demanding justice just like I’m not anti-American for criticizing US violence and demanding justice. Justice knows no nationality. Justice knows no religion. Justice knows no race.
— Abrar Omeish (@AbrarOmeish) May 13, 2021
In response to the criticism she has received for her stance, Omeish took to Twitter to defend herself, stating that she is not anti-Semitic for criticizing Israeli violence and demanding justice. She argued that justice knows no nationality, religion, or race.
While it is important to recognize the need for justice and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Omeish’s opposition to a moment of silence for the victims of the Hamas attacks raises concerns. A moment of silence is a simple act of respect and condolence for the lives lost in an act of violence. By opposing it, Omeish seems to undermine the suffering of those affected by the attacks.
Furthermore, her previous opposition to a resolution honoring the victims of the 9/11 attacks raises questions about her stance on terrorism and violence in general. It is important for a school board member to have a solid stance against acts of terrorism, regardless of their origin or motivation. By opposing both moments of silence, Omeish gives the impression that she might be unwilling to condemn acts of violence carried out by certain groups or individuals.
The role of a school board member is to promote a safe and inclusive environment for all students. By opposing moments of silence for victims, Omeish fails to fulfill this responsibility. Moments of silence allow students to reflect and mourn the loss of innocent lives, regardless of their background or nationality. It is through these moments that empathy and understanding can be fostered among students, promoting a more harmonious society.
In a diverse community like Fairfax County, it is crucial for school board members to be impartial and open-minded. Every individual, regardless of their beliefs or background, deserves to be treated with empathy and respect. By dismissing the significance of moments of silence and refusing to acknowledge the diversity among the Israeli victims, Omeish’s actions and statements appear to be biased and divisive.
As a public figure and representative of the school board, Omeish has a responsibility to uphold the values of fairness and inclusivity. It is essential for her to consider the impact of her actions and statements on the community she serves. In the interest of promoting unity and understanding, it is necessary for her to demonstrate empathy and compassion for all victims of violence, regardless of their nationality or affiliation.
The role of a school board member is not only to enact policies but also to set a positive example for students in the community. By opposing moments of silence for victims of acts of violence, Omeish sends a message that undermines the importance of compassion and empathy in times of crisis. It is crucial for school board members to prioritize the welfare and well-being of students, and this includes recognizing and honoring the victims of violence.
Ultimately, the Fairfax County School Board must carefully consider the actions and statements made by its members. The promotion of inclusivity and empathy should serve as guiding principles in the decision-making process. It is important to remember that the actions of one board member do not represent the entire board, but they do have an impact on the community at large. In order to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all students, it is essential for board members to prioritize compassion and understanding.
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