URGENT UPDATE: The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is standing firm against recent allegations made by L.A. Times columnist Josh Hammer. In an op-ed published on August 15, 2023, Hammer reiterated discredited conspiracy theories targeting American Muslims, specifically accusing CAIR of being linked to global terrorism.
In a swift response, CAIR’s national deputy director, Edward Ahmed Mitchell, condemned these statements, stating, “Just as extremists once smeared Catholic and Jewish Americans as disloyal, Islamophobes today falsely claim that American Muslim institutions are part of a global terrorist conspiracy.” This assertion comes as CAIR, which has tirelessly fought for civil rights and against all forms of bigotry for over 30 years, faces renewed scrutiny.
Mitchell emphasized the organization’s commitment to defending free speech, racial equality, and religious liberty. He pointed out that CAIR has consistently condemned terrorism, to the extent that ISIS once targeted its executive director for their stance against extremist violence. “We have spoken out against terrorism so often that ISIS put a target on our executive director,” he stated, underscoring the risks faced by those advocating for justice.
The op-ed’s primary focus on CAIR raises questions about Hammer’s motivations, particularly regarding the group’s advocacy for Palestinian rights amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Polls indicate a significant shift in public sentiment, with a majority of Americans opposing U.S. support for Israel’s military actions in the region. Mitchell questioned whether Hammer’s rhetoric stems from a fear that increased civic engagement by American Muslims could influence U.S. policy toward a more humane approach to the Israel-Palestine situation.
Mitchell urged the public not to take seriously the “bigoted conspiracy theories” that seek to undermine the legitimacy of American Muslim organizations. As CAIR faces these challenges, its leadership remains committed to fostering dialogue and understanding amidst rising Islamophobia in the U.S.
As this story develops, observers will be keen to see how public opinion shifts in response to both CAIR’s defense and the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. For now, the urgency of Mitchell’s response highlights the critical intersection of civil rights, public perception, and foreign policy that affects millions of Americans today.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds.
