Council on American-Islamic Relations Blames Israel’s ’Apartheid Policies’ for Terror Attack
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.) speaks to CAIR at a Los Angeles fundraiser in 2019
Dozens of Democratic members of Congress in 2019 privately issued letters of support to an anti-Israel advocacy group that is now blaming the Jewish state for the Hamas terror attacks that killed more than 1,000 Israelis.
After Hamas began its terrorist assault on Israel, including the execution of women and children, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) pointed fingers at the Jewish state. In a statement, CAIR urged lawmakers to address the ”Israeli government’s apartheid policies” and the underlying causes of violence in the Middle East. This comes after prominent House and Senate Democrats expressed their support for CAIR in letters ahead of its 2019 gala in Washington, D.C., which CAIR used to showcase its backing from congressional leaders.
The widespread support for CAIR among Congressional Democrats reflects the left’s alignment with anti-Israel and far-left groups, who are now excusing and even praising Hamas’s terrorism. In May, the Biden administration even enlisted CAIR to participate in its “National Strategy to Combat Anti-Semitism,” despite CAIR’s controversial history. Meanwhile, a Black Lives Matter group with 26 local chapters across the country expressed support for Hamas, calling their atrocities “a desperate act of self-defense.”
Among the Democrats who supported CAIR in 2019 were Senators Elizabeth Warren, Tammy Baldwin, Amy Klobuchar, Cory Booker, and Sherrod Brown, as well as Representatives Ilhan Omar, Jahana Hayes, Kim Schrier, and Susie Lee.
CAIR has a long history of anti-Semitism, with its executive director in San Francisco describing Jewish groups and synagogues as “enemies.” The group has also been linked to Hamas itself. Despite this, Warren and Klobuchar celebrated CAIR’s civic engagement and dedicated service to American Muslims in their letters of support.
The Biden administration’s decision to partner with CAIR in its ”National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism” has faced criticism, not just from right-wingers or conservative partisans, but also from Jewish magazine Tablet, which highlighted CAIR’s controversial record on Jewish matters.
What is the impact of falsely attributing blame solely to Israel and trivializing the suffering of those who have experienced true apartheid in other regions of the world
The recent wave of violence between Israel and Hamas, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has once again found an opportunity to make baseless and inflammatory claims against Israel. CAIR, known for its biased and controversial statements, has blamed Israel’s supposed “Apartheid Policies” for the terror attacks committed by Hamas. This regrettably reflects CAIR’s ongoing attempts to delegitimize and demonize the Jewish state.
It is disheartening to see that CAIR’s response to a complex and nuanced conflict is to lay all the blame on Israel. By accusing Israel of having “Apartheid Policies,” CAIR distorts the truth and ignores the root causes of the violence. This type of rhetoric not only fosters division but also undermines efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
It is important to remember that the recent conflict was sparked by Hamas launching thousands of rockets at Israeli civilian population centers. Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by much of the international community, has a long history of advocating for the destruction of Israel. Israel, like any country, has the right to defend itself and protect its citizens from such attacks.
Furthermore, Israel has made numerous efforts to reach a peaceful resolution with the Palestinians. Proposals for a two-state solution and negotiations have been put forward by Israeli governments in the past. However, Hamas and other extremist groups have consistently rejected these offers and instead resorted to violence.
CAIR’s false accusation of “Apartheid Policies” is not only unfounded but also offensive. Israel is a diverse and democratic nation that upholds the rights of its citizens, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. Arab-Israelis, who make up about 20% of the population, enjoy the same rights and privileges as Jewish citizens. They serve in the Israeli government, hold positions of influence, and have access to equal opportunities.
Accusing Israel of apartheid not only trivializes the suffering of those who have experienced true apartheid, but it also undermines the fight against real discrimination and human rights abuses around the world. It is important to differentiate between legitimate criticism and unjust demonization, and CAIR’s statement falls into the latter category.
It is concerning that some Democratic members of Congress privately issued letters of support to CAIR in 2019. This association raises questions about the judgment and understanding of these lawmakers regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is imperative that elected officials rely on accurate information and balanced perspectives when forming their opinions.
As supporters of a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it is crucial to engage in productive dialogue that seeks to understand the complexities of the situation. Blaming Israel for the actions of Hamas does not contribute to this goal. Instead, it perpetuates a cycle of animosity and hinders the prospects for a just and lasting peace in the region.
Efforts to demonize Israel and to lay sole blame on the Jewish state for the violence in the region are counterproductive and unhelpful. Achieving peace requires a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand and a commitment to dialogue and compromise. It is time for CAIR and other organizations to move beyond inflammatory rhetoric and contribute constructively to the search for a peaceful resolution.
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