The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today welcomed Governor Gavin Newsom’s call for an immediate ceasefire in an open letter to California’s Muslim, Palestinian American, and Arab American communities.
The letter acknowledges the nationwide rise in Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate and highlights California’s deliverance of a humanitarian aid package, which included a field hospital and vital medical supplies for civilians in Gaza.
Israel’s ongoing violence and indiscriminate bombing in Gaza has killed over 30,000 Palestinian civilians, including over 10,000 children, injured 70,000 civilians, displaced 1.9 million people, destroyed critical infrastructure, and cut off food, water, fuel, and healthcare. The letter addresses the ongoing violence and indiscriminate bombing in Gaza, remarking on the “unacceptable” nature of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“CAIR-CA has advocated with state and federal elected officials to call for a ceasefire since the beginning of Israel’s violent military offense five months ago, including with Governor Newsom’s office. We are invigorated to see the Governor ultimately decide to take action and commend him for his commitment to peace and justice amid the heartbreaking violence that has tragically resulted in the death of over 30,000 Palestinians.
“Governor Newsom’s call for an immediate ceasefire embodies an undeniable truth—California will not shy away from standing for justice and human dignity. We hope this decision will stand as a beacon of compassion and moral leadership and compel other officials to do so as well.”
During a meeting in December 2023 with the Governor, 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. Stories shared in the meeting were highlighted in the Governor’s letter.
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 3,578 reports of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian bias in the three months following Oct. 7—a staggering 178% increase. These reports include incidents of harassment, workplace discrimination, and bullying of K-12 students from peers, teachers, and administrators.
CAIR-CA urges all local and national leaders to stand for peace and justice by supporting the Ceasefire Now Resolution (HR 786).