The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR): Examining Connections to Hamas

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR): Examining Connections to Hamas

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) presents itself as a leading civil rights organization advocating for the rights of American Muslims. However, CAIR has been the subject of significant controversy due to alleged connections with the Palestinian militant organization Hamas. This article delves into the evidence and arguments that have led to the claim that CAIR functions as a front for Hamas in the United States.

Background on CAIR

CAIR was established in 1994 and states that its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. Over the years, CAIR has been involved in numerous initiatives aimed at combating Islamophobia and defending the civil rights of Muslims in the U.S.

Allegations and Evidence

Origins and Founding Members

The founding of CAIR is closely linked to the Islamic Association for Palestine (IAP), which was an organization that expressed support for Hamas. According to federal court documents, CAIR was founded by leaders of the IAP, including Nihad Awad and Omar Ahmad. The IAP was a propaganda arm for Hamas in the United States, providing publications and materials supporting the organization .

Holy Land Foundation Trial

One of the most significant pieces of evidence linking CAIR to Hamas came from the 2008 Holy Land Foundation trial. The Holy Land Foundation (HLF) was the largest Islamic charity in the United States before it was shut down for funneling money to Hamas. During the trial, the U.S. government presented evidence that CAIR was part of the Palestine Committee, a network of organizations affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas. A list of unindicted co-conspirators filed by the prosecution included CAIR, naming it among entities participating in a conspiracy to support Hamas .

FBI Stance

Due to these connections, the FBI decided to sever ties with CAIR in 2008. An internal memo cited concerns over CAIR's possible link to Hamas as the reason for this decision. The FBI's action followed the revelation of the organization's connections during the Holy Land Foundation trial. In 2009, the assistant director of the FBI's Office of Congressional Affairs stated, “Until we can resolve whether there continues to be a connection between CAIR or its executives and Hamas, the FBI does not view CAIR as an appropriate liaison partner” .

CAIR's Defense

CAIR has consistently denied any ties to Hamas and argues that the accusations are part of a broader campaign to discredit the organization and its work. CAIR's representatives claim that the organization operates independently and focuses solely on protecting the civil rights of Muslims in America. They argue that the inclusion of CAIR in the list of unindicted co-conspirators was politically motivated and not indicative of actual wrongdoing .

Conclusion

The allegations that CAIR is connected to Hamas are rooted in historical associations, legal findings, and government actions, such as the designation of CAIR as an unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation trial and the FBI's subsequent distancing from the organization. While CAIR vehemently denies these allegations, the evidence presented in court and the actions of law enforcement agencies continue to fuel suspicions about its links to Hamas. Understanding these connections is crucial for informed discussions about the role and impact of CAIR in the United States.

References

Emerson, Steven. American Jihad: The Terrorists Living Among Us. Free Press, 2003.

U.S. Department of Justice. "List of Unindicted Co-Conspirators and/or Joint Venturers," United States v. Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, et al. (2007).

The Investigative Project on Terrorism. "CAIR's Ties to Hamas," Link.

FBI Congressional Testimony, "The FBI and CAIR," Assistant Director of the FBI's Office of Congressional Affairs, 2009.

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, "United States of America v. Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development," (2008).

These references provide a detailed look into the complex and often controversial relationship between CAIR and its alleged connections to Hamas, shedding light on an issue of significant importance to national security and civil liberties.