(SACRAMENTO, CA, 1/4/2024) – The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) organized a meeting between Governor Gavin Newsom and Muslim leaders from across the state before the holiday break to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Attendees included representatives from the Northern California Islamic Council, Palestinian American Medical Association, West Valley Muslim Association, Muslim Students Association West, and Shura Council of Southern California.
During the meeting, CAIR-CA and its partner organizations outlined several asks of the administration, including supporting a permanent ceasefire and a continued commitment to ensure freedom of speech, particularly in universities, as students engage in rallies.
The meeting was held to ensure that the voices of the Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab communities across California are heard during discussions of the genocide and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. CAIR-CA invited key staff, doctors, lawyers, community Leaders, and advocates from across the state who all supported an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unrestricted flow of aid to the people of Gaza.
Israel’s ongoing violence and indiscriminate bombing in Gaza has killed over 22,000 Palestinian civilians, including over 10,000 children, displaced 1.9 million people, destroyed critical infrastructure, and cut off food, water, fuel, and healthcare.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“We were pleased by the Governor’s commitment to ensure his Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab constituents are heard as the violent siege on Gaza continues and that CAIR-CA had the platform to request the administration be proactive in ensuring the dignity of Palestinians.
“In his tenure, Governor Newsom has paved the path as a champion for civil rights, and we urge him to continue to use his voice as the leader of Californians who overwhelmingly demand a ceasefire.”
Hate incidents targeting the Muslim and Arab communities have been on the rise across the country since Oct. 7. In its most recent report, CAIR National released data showing it received a total of 2,171 reports of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian bias in the two months following Oct. 7—a staggering 172% increase. These reports include incidents of harassment, workplace discrimination, and bullying of K-12 students from peers, teachers, and administrators.
CAIR condemns all forms of Islamophobia, anti-Arab hate, and antisemitism in the strongest possible terms and calls on our national leaders to take action to condemn these increased attacks on American citizens.
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, eelkadi@cair.com, (714) 851-4851; CAIR CA Policy Manager Nazeehah Khan, nkhan@cair.com, (916) 596-9158 ext 110
