Dear California Candidate: Please Read this Open Letter Before You Accept CAIR’s Endorsement.
Dear California Candidate:
We are reaching out on behalf of three diverse organizations united by a deep concern over the growing and harmful influence of extremist groups in American democracy. We share these concerns about extremism across the political spectrum. We write to you today specifically about CAIR: the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
As election day nears, you may be inclined to accept all possible endorsements. As someone who cares about civil and human rights, you may believe that the values and objectives of CAIR align with your own. But CAIR’s own words and actions tell a different story. While the organization publicly claims to be a civil rights organization, CAIR’s praise of violence and its refusal to denounce terrorist activities reflect values that are fundamentally at odds with genuine human rights advocacy and should be rejected.
As you judge the true intent of CAIR, its endorsement, and the organization’s suitability as a legitimate partner, we encourage you to evaluate the organization through its own words and actions. CAIR: In Its Own Words, a report by the Intelligent Advocacy Network (IAN) reveals CAIR’s long and consistent ties to Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. IAN’s report highlights the harmful rhetoric of its leaders, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, terror attacks in Israel.
Thirty Years of Hamas Ties
CAIR has been linked to Hamas since its founding in 1994. Nihad Awad, CAIR’s Executive Director, publicly voiced his support for Hamas that same year. CAIR was later named an unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation trial, which exposed the channeling of millions of dollars to Hamas. Due to these connections, the FBI severed formal ties with CAIR in 2008.
Celebrating Violence
Following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas — where civilians were brutally murdered, raped, and kidnapped — CAIR leaders openly praised the violence. Zahra Billoo, Executive Director of CAIR’s San Francisco Bay Area chapter, referred to the attacks as “decolonization” and later honored Ismail Haniyeh, one of the key figures behind the October 7 massacre, as a “hero and martyr.” Hussam Ayloush, CAIR’s Greater Los Angeles Area Director, defended the atrocities by comparing Israelis to Nazis and asserting that Israel should be attacked and has no right to defend itself. Even Nihad Awad, CAIR’s national leader, expressed that he was “happy to see” what took place on October 7th.
These comments reflect CAIR’s long-standing support for Hamas. CAIR’s promotion of violence contradicts the values it claims to uphold.
Growing National Rejection
If you choose to denounce CAIR’s endorsement of your candidacy, you will be among a growing group of U.S. government entities across the U.S. that have distanced themselves from the organization. In December 2023, the Biden Administration cut ties with CAIR, removing it from national efforts to combat both antisemitism and Islamophobia. Florida and Maryland have also taken bipartisan action against CAIR, with Maryland’s Governor signing a bill to remove CAIR from a state board monitoring hate crimes. These steps reflect a growing awareness that CAIR’s actions contradict the values it claims to support.
The Stakes for Leaders
As a candidate for public office, accepting CAIR’s political endorsement aligns you with an organization that has endorsed terrorism and spread harmful rhetoric.
The facts, as outlined in IAN’s report, are clear: CAIR’s history of extremism and ties to Hamas make it an unsuitable partner for any civil rights or anti-hate initiative and any political candidate wishing to uphold these values.
Before you accept CAIR’s endorsement, ask yourself: Do you want to be associated with an organization that promotes division and celebrates violence? The choice is yours, but the consequences are far-reaching.
Sincerely,
Susan George, CEO
Intelligent Advocacy Network
Anila Ali, Board Chair and President
American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council
Sarah Levin, Executive Director
Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa
