Media Monitor: CAIR Expresses Concern Over House Foreign Affairs Appointments, West Bank Incidents, and Welcomes Inclusivity Efforts

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is reporting that it expressed deep concern over the appointment of Representatives Jared Moskowitz, Wesley Bell and Debbie Wasserman Schultz to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said the appointments of these "most committed enablers" of Israel are an insult to voters and an attempt to shield Israel from accountability for its actions in Gaza. Mitchell said these members support unconditional funding for the Israeli government and are out-of-step with most Americans and Democrats who want to end U.S. military aid to Israel.

CAIR-Ohio is reporting that it asked Americans to support a Toledo resident whose family home in the occupied West Bank has been illegally besieged by Israeli settlers.

CAIR is reporting that it welcomed the Girl Scouts' response to what it called "manufactured outrage" over Muslim badges. CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw said the organization supports the Girl Scouts' efforts to be inclusive of girls from all faith backgrounds, noting the long history of scouting organizations recognizing faith as an important component.

CAIR's Maryland chapter is reporting that it welcomed a Baltimore County School Board member's apology and commitment to visit a mosque and meet with Muslim communities. Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said the apology and meaningful action are important steps toward rebuilding trust.

CAIR-Michigan is reporting that it launched a safety toolkit for mosques and Islamic schools in response to rising anti-Muslim bigotry. Soobia Kidwai, Director of Safe Spaces, CAIR-MI, said the goal is to ensure these institutions have plans, relationships, and resources in place before emergencies occur.

CAIR-New Jersey is reporting that it filed an ethics complaint against South Orange Maplewood (SOMA) Administrator Frank Sanchez for allegedly accepting a free trip to Israel, which it said violates New Jersey’s School Ethics Code.

CAIR is reporting that it condemned an Israeli court's acquittal of a settler who attacked a nun in the occupied West Bank. It said the Israeli government does not respect the rule of law or the rights of Christians or Muslims to live freely on their own land, and called on U.S. Congress members and Christian leaders to speak out.