The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is reporting that it applauded Senate Democrats for boycotting a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing led by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, which CAIR characterized as "anti-Muslim." CAIR said Democratic Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, Richard Blumenthal, Mazie Hirono, Alex Padilla and Peter Welch did not attend the hearing. Robert S. McCaw, CAIR Director of Government Affairs, stated the hearing risked legitimizing "anti-Muslim conspiracy theories" and "manufactured suspicion of American Muslims," especially after a recent "hate-fueled terrorist attack." CAIR is calling on all U.S. senators to reject "anti-Muslim fearmongering."CAIR also urged Michigan Muslims to vote in the state's primary election. Shafiquil Muhshna, CAIR National Government Affairs Department Coordinator, said civic participation is both a right and a responsibility, encouraging every eligible voter to cast a ballot.Additionally, CAIR announced it will partner with the North American Islamic Trust (NAIT) to host mosque and school safety trainings on Aug. 8 for the DMV community. It said these in-person regional trainings, prompted by a terror attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego, will provide guidance on preventing, recognizing and addressing threats, including active shooters.In a separate statement, CAIR addressed a mass funeral of 112 Gaza civilians, including 40 children. It said the event was "another devastating reminder of the unimaginable human cost of Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza" and called for a real ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, accountability for war crimes and an end to the occupation.CAIR also expressed support for a North Carolina mosque after a Mooresville Town Council meeting included "conspiratorial anti-Muslim rhetoric." Al Rieder, CAIR North Carolina Regional Manager, said such rhetoric perpetuates hate and puts local mosques at risk of threats and violent acts.
