(LOS ANGELES, CA – 5/22/2024) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today condemned California Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur’s one-sided response to the recent violent attack by a pro-Israel mob against students at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) peaceful anti-genocide encampment.
On May 3, Assemblymember Zbur released a one-sided statement that disregards the Islamophobic, xenophobic, and anti-Palestinian attacks by a pro-Israel mob on UCLA students peacefully protesting the Israeli government’s genocide in Gaza and fails to acknowledge the repeated provocations and harassment that pro-Palestinian students on campus have experienced.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager Monica Candal Rahim said:
“Assemblymember Zbur’s recent statement is a one-sided attack on students protesting peacefully. Zbur fails to mention that many of the attacks on pro-Palestinian, pro-peace protesters were perpetrated by individuals who identify as Zionists or as white supremacists, placing a coalition of racially and religiously diverse students at risk.
“Zbur rightfully condemns antisemitism, however his statement fails to acknowledge the anti-Palestinian hate that fueled the violence against students standing in solidarity with Gaza—including many Jewish students. Anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim hate has continued to rise across college campuses, and conflating antisemitism with legitimate criticism of the state of Israel and support for the people of Gaza only excuses the attacks. I expect more from an elected official and civil rights leader than to further perpetuate hate against any group
CAIR-LA sent a letter to Assemblymember Zbur calling on him to:
1. Release a statement affirming his commitment to protecting the first amendment rights of Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim student protesters.
2. Ensure the UC Board of Regents conducts an effective and just investigation that addresses the violent attacks against the peaceful student protesters at UCLA and holds those responsible accountable.
3. Emphasize the rise in anti-Palestinian hate and Islamophobia in letter calling on the investigation of Title VI violations.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Madi Morse-Hameed,mmorse-hameed@cair.com
