The Biden administration has distanced itself from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) following controversial comments made by its executive director, Nihad Awad. Awad's remarks, which expressed support for the October 7 attacks on Israel, were condemned by the White House as antisemitic. The administration has since removed CAIR from its national strategy on antisemitism.
Awad's comments were made at a conference in Chicago, where he stated that the people of Gaza have the right to self-defense, while Israel does not. These statements were met with shock and condemnation from the White House. In addition to this, Awad accused the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) of controlling the US government and Congress.
The White House's decision to cut ties with CAIR has been reflected in changes to its official documents. Screenshots of the White House website before and after the removal of CAIR's reference have been provided. Deborah Lipstadt, U.S. special envoy to combat antisemitism, previously stated that CAIR should be judged based on its future actions.
The Anti-Defamation League reported a significant increase in antisemitic incidents following the attacks, while CAIR reported an increase in bias incidents against Muslims in America. The Muslim American community is divided over the Biden administration's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with some even willing to risk supporting Trump in the next election.
The White House's decision to distance itself from CAIR and its executive director's comments has been met with varying reactions, highlighting the complex and sensitive nature of the Israel-Hamas conflict and its impact on American politics and communities.
