The White House has formally severed connections with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in relation to developing a national approach to address antisemitism. This decision follows the alarming statements made by Nihad Awad, the national executive director of CAIR, at the 16th Annual Convention for Palestine in Chicago.
Awad’s statement, captured on video and disseminated by the Middle East Media Research Institute, expressed delight about the Gaza attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7. He conveyed joy at witnessing individuals breaking free from confinement and reclaiming territory that was previously inaccessible to them.
The Biden administration promptly denounced Awad’s remarks, leading to the termination of their collaboration with CAIR. White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates strongly condemned Awad’s statements as “shocking” and “antisemitic,” emphasizing the pain caused by Hamas’ actions. Bates called for a collective condemnation of antisemitism and violence in response to the severity of the situation.
Initially engaged by the White House in May to educate religious communities on protecting their places of worship from hate incidents, CAIR faced a shift in its relationship after Awad’s comments. The White House, in response to Awad’s remarks, decided to distance itself from the organization, indicating the termination of their collaboration in the effort to counter antisemitism.
In May, the White House initially enlisted CAIR to educate religious communities on safeguarding their places of worship from hate incidents. However, following Awad’s comments, the White House chose to distance itself from the organization, signaling the end of their collaboration in the effort to combat antisemitism.
Moreover, Awad voiced criticism against the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), alleging that it exerts undue influence over the US government and Congress. He implied that the liberation of Palestine is connected to liberating Congress from AIPAC’s influence.
Due to these developments, protests against the Biden administration by left-wing groups have surged in various cities, reflecting dissatisfaction with the administration’s position on Israel concerning Hamas. Despite CAIR attributing Awad’s remarks to being taken out of context, the White House remains resolute in severing ties with the organization.
