CAIR Leader's Remarks on Hamas Leader's Death Ignite Controversy

Zahra Billoo, head of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in San Francisco, has sparked controversy with her remarks mourning the death of top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Billoo referred to Haniyeh as a martyr and called for the eradication of Israel, further inflaming tensions in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“Never say that those martyred in the cause of Allah are dead—in fact, they are alive! But you do not perceive it,” Billoo wrote upon hearing the news of Haniyeh’s death in Tehran. “Tonight, we mourn Ismail himself but know his martyrdom is not in vain. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

Haniyeh, who was killed in a reported strike on his luxury home in Tehran, was attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, just hours before his death. The ceremony included chants of “death to America” and “death to Israel,” highlighting Haniyeh’s close ties with Iran's leadership. His presence at the event further underscored his role in regional anti-Israel activities.

CAIR, one of the main organizations behind anti-Israel protests in the United States, has seen several of its leaders express support for Hamas's actions, including the October 7 terror attack on Israel. During this attack, Haniyeh was reportedly watching from a luxury building in Qatar, smiling and praying with other Hamas members as events unfolded.

The organization has also exerted pressure on the Biden administration to negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas and to halt arms shipments to Israel. Although the administration initially included CAIR in its "national strategy to counter anti-Semitism," references to the group were later removed after CAIR’s executive director, Nihad Awad, praised Hamas's actions against Israel.

Billoo has a history of inflammatory remarks, having labeled Jewish groups and synagogues as her "enemies." She praised Haniyeh for his response to a previous Israeli strike that killed his children. “When Israel slaughtered Ismail Haniyeh’s children, he said: ‘The blood of my children is not more valuable than the blood of the people of Palestine and all the martyrs in Gaza are my children,’” Billoo stated, citing Haniyeh's stance on Palestinian solidarity.

Billoo also criticized media coverage of her comments, particularly targeting Jewish Insider executive editor Melissa Weiss. “Her MO is ‘political violence for thee but not for me,’” Billoo wrote, accusing Weiss of "standard Zionist hypocrisy."

CAIR has maintained its defense of Billoo and her controversial statements, which have drawn support from Democratic lawmakers such as Reps. Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Pramila Jayapal. In 2021, Billoo described mainstream Jewish organizations as “enemies” in a speech, prompting CAIR to defend her against accusations of anti-Semitism, claiming critics were engaging in a “smear campaign.”

In response to Haniyeh's death, CAIR issued a statement condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of trying to derail a Gaza ceasefire and provoking a potential regional conflict with Iran. “Unless President Biden takes swift concrete action to stop this march to war, including freezing military aid to the out-of-control Israeli government, it appears Netanyahu will soon get his wish and that the American taxpayer will pay the price,” CAIR stated.

The remarks by Billoo and CAIR’s stance have intensified debates over media portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of organizations in shaping public opinion. This incident highlights the deep divisions that persist and the need for dialogue focused on mutual understanding and peace. For more insightful analysis and updates, consider subscribing to our newsletter.