(SANTA CLARA, CA – 1/14/2020) – The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) said a retweet by President Trump of an Islamophobic image mocking Islam and Muslims will further endanger members of the American Muslim and Sikh communities.
Just yesterday, Trump retweeted a photoshopped image of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), with Pelosi wearing an Islamic headscarf (hijab) and Schumer wearing a turban.
Trump Criticized for Retweeting Image of Pelosi, Schumer in Muslim Attire
CAIR noted that Sikh men who wear beards and turbans as part of their faith are often targeted by bigots who mistake them for Muslims.
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In a statement, CAIR-SFBA’s Executive Director, Zahra Billoo said:
“This targeted retweet puts members of both the Muslim and Sikh community in danger. Mocking our religions on social media, yet again, puts the bigotry that has become routine for the current occupant of the Oval office on display and gives way to religious hatred and bias. Even a retweet can have a deepening impact on constantly targeted communities. It is important for us to speak out and refuse to accept actions such as these from our elected officials.”
CAIR-National’s Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“President Trump has repeatedly targeted Islam and Muslims with bigoted rhetoric and Islamophobic appointments and policies such as the Muslim Ban, which media reports say is soon to be extended to other nations.”
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: Communications Coordinator Zoha Raza, 408.986.9874, zraza@cair.com