Staff Reports
A shocking video surfaced today showing Nihad Awad, the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), openly celebrating the horrific terror attack by Hamas on October 7th, in which over 1200 innocent people were killed in Israel and more than 240 were taken as hostages.
In the footage from a speech he gave on November 24th at the American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) convention in Chicago, Awad shamelessly expressed his joy at the violent actions of Hamas. He not only applauded the siege-breaking in Gaza but also declared that the people of Gaza have the right to self-defense, while denying Israel that same right.
CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad at AMP Convention: I Was Happy to See the People of Gaza Break the Siege on October 7; They Were Victorious; the People of Gaza Have the Right to Self-Defense – Israel Does Not #Hamas #Gaza #Palestinians @CAIRNational @NihadAwad pic.twitter.com/WDbSRjFJo0
— MEMRI (@MEMRIReports) December 7, 2023
This blatant display of support for terrorism and violence is both disturbing and dangerous. It is hard to believe that someone in a position of leadership would openly endorse such heinous acts, which have caused immeasurable suffering and loss.
This is not the first time that CAIR has been associated with controversial and troubling activities. The organization has a history of alleged ties to terrorist groups, including being named as an unindicted co-conspirator in a terror financing trial. Additionally, CAIR was labeled as a terrorist organization by the United Arab Emirates in 2014.
Even more alarming is the fact that the Biden administration has collaborated with CAIR, despite its contentious background, particularly in developing policies related to antisemitism. It is deeply concerning that an organization with such a dubious reputation has been involved in shaping important government strategies.
Unfortunately, Awad’s reprehensible stance is not isolated. Radical groups, such as Students for Justice in Palestine, have also expressed similar sentiments, signaling a disturbing trend of support for violent actions against innocent civilians.
It is crucial to condemn and reject any form of terrorism and violence, irrespective of the perpetrators or their motivations. These dangerous ideologies must be unequivocally denounced to prevent further harm and promote peace and stability in the region.
The views expressed by Awad and other like-minded individuals are irresponsible and pose a threat to global security. It is essential to stand against such dangerous rhetoric and work towards peaceful resolutions that respect the rights and safety of all individuals involved.
