Florida state Senator Randy Fine, who is running to fill the vacancy in Florida’s 6th U.S. congressional district, singled out Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar on Tuesday. Quote-tweeting an endorsement from the Republican Jewish Coalition, Fine posted, “​​The ‘Hebrew Hammer’ is coming. @RashidaTlaib and @IlhanMN might consider leaving before I get there. #BombsAway.”

Tlaib and Omar are two of just three Muslim members of Congress, and the only two Muslim women.

Fine has a history of using demeaning rhetoric against Muslims and Palestinians and trafficking in Islamophobic tropes. In the past, he has said that “we have a Muslim problem in America” and that “while many Muslims are not terrorists, they are the radicals, not the mainstream.”

In August 2021, when Fine was a representative in Florida’s state House, the Council on American-Islamic Relations filed a complaint against him with the House Public Integrity and Ethics Committee, alleging that Fine “violated his duty as an elected official” by “encouraging his constituents to run over people at Palestinian advocacy protests,” “call[ing] for the annihilation of the Palestinian people,” and direct-messaging a Floridian to “blow yourself up,” among other instances of “egregious conduct.”

In September, Fine took to X to cheer the death of 26-year-old American citizen Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, an activist reportedly killed by the Israeli forces while peacefully protesting illegal settlements in the West Bank. “Throw rocks, get shot. One less #MuslimTerror ist. #FireAway,” Fine wrote.

Donald Trump threw his support behind Fine’s candidacy last week, referring to him as an “America First Patriot” in a Truth Social post.

Source: Yahoo News

Representing California’s District 12, Lateefah Simon (D-CA) joined an esteemed group of re-elected Muslim representatives, marking a powerful step forward in representation for American Muslims, CAIR said in a statement.

Simon, who currently serves on the Bay Area Rapid Transit board, brings a wealth of experience to Congress.

Her distinguished career includes roles as the Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights in the San Francisco Bay Area and as a California State University Board of Trustees appointee under former Governor Jerry Brown.

Her election is a celebrated milestone, expanding the presence of Muslim voices in Congress.

Alongside Simon, CAIR congratulates re-elected Representatives André Carson (D-IN), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Ilhan Omar (D-MN), all of whom secured decisive victories on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

These victories mark a historic moment, with four American Muslims now serving in Congress.

New Milestone

In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Department Director Robert McCaw emphasized the significance of this milestone.

“Lateefah Simon’s election is a powerful reminder that American Muslims are making strides and finding their voices in the halls of Congress,” McCaw said.

“Especially during a time when many in our community feel the weight of rising Islamophobia. Her presence, alongside Representatives Carson, Tlaib, and Omar, demonstrates our community’s resilience and commitment to justice.

“This achievement should inspire every American Muslim to have faith in their ability to create positive change and to contribute to a more inclusive and just society.”

CAIR has been instrumental in mobilizing the nation’s over 2.5 million registered American Muslim voters, particularly during the final stretch of the election season.

In the days leading up to the election, CAIR sent over 600,000 text messages to remind Muslim voters across the country, including those in critical swing states, of the importance of their vote.

Looking ahead, CAIR is eager to collaborate with the new Congress to advance civil rights, social justice, and peace advocacy initiatives that benefit not only American Muslims but all Americans.

Source: About Islam

Four Arab American members of Congress will return to the Capitol to represent their districts in California, Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan, while five were reelected to State House seats in Illinois, Michigan, Colorado and Iowa.

In some places, however, there were allegations of Islamophobia and anti-Arab sentiment as opponents sought to capitalize on voter concerns about terrorism and foreign conflicts.

Suzanne Akhras, a Syrian American Democrat who lost to Republican incumbent Nicole La Ha in the race to represent the 82nd District in the Illinois House of Representatives, said she was targeted by anonymous text messages and phone calls falsely linking her to Islamic terrorism, including claims of ties to Hamas.

“These calls and texts tried to portray me as a danger to the community I love,” she said in a campaign video message to voters in September. “I have lived in Burr Ridge for nearly 20 years. I have been a PTA parent. I have spent my life advocating for vulnerable people and being of service. I founded a very successful non-profit organization.

“I am a proud American. I cherish our shared values of freedom; freedom to express our diverse faiths and freedom to celebrate the diversity of our backgrounds and cultures. Those freedoms I hold dear are under attack in our district. These attacks against me are based on racism, Islamophobia and are xenophobic.”

Akhras, who said she has been recognized as an “upstander” by the Illinois Holocaust Museum for confronting hate speech and crime, said the “disturbing calls and text messages” began shortly after she began campaigning door-to-door. She criticized the Republican Party in the state for failing to denounce the attacks, and accused La Ha of running an “abhorrent and dangerous, xenophobic” smear campaign.

Akhras, who wears a hijab and whose husband, Dr. Zaher Sahloul, helps provide humanitarian medical services to refugees and displaced people in conflict zones, including Gaza, also said that despite winning the Democratic primary in March, she received no support from the Illinois Democratic Party.

Elsewhere, Darrell Issa, who is of Syrian-Lebanese heritage, was reelected to Congress as the representative for California’s 48th district, defeating Democrat Stephen Houlahan with 60.2 percent of the vote.

In Minnesota, Democrat Ilhan Omar, who is of Somali descent, was reelected as the member of the House of Representatives for the 5th District with 75 percent of the vote, easily defeating her Republican rival, Arab American Dalia Al-Aqidi.

Democrat Rashida Tlaib, who is Palestinian American , defeated Republican James Hopper with 69.7 percent of the vote in Michigan’s 12th Congressional District. Republican Darin LaHood, who is of Lebanese heritage, ran unopposed in Illinois’ 16th District.

Two Arab American members of Congress, Democrat Anna Eshoo from California and Republican Garret Graves from Louisiana, did not seek reelection.

At the state level, Democrat Nabeela Syed, who is of Indian heritage, secured a second term in the State House as the representative for the 51st District with 55 percent of the vote, ahead of Republican rival Tosi Ufodike.

In Michigan’s 3rd District, Democrat Alabas Farhat defeated Republican Richard Zeile with 67.9 percent of the vote. Democrat Iman Jodeh was reelected in Colorado’s 41st District, gaining 61 percent of the vote against Republican Robert McKenna.

Palestinian American Abdelnasser Rashid and Syrian American Sami Scheetz, both Democrats, retained their seats without a challenge in Illinois’ 21st District and Iowa’s 78th District respectively.

Source: Arab News

Jerrod Sessler, a Navy veteran and former NASCAR driver, is running against incumbent Republican Congressman Dan Newhouse in Washington’s 4th District, which Newhouse has represented since 2015.

In an interview with the Yakima Herald-Republic, Sessler said: “There is no way that a devout Muslim should be in Congress, because they can’t take the oath of office. Their fundamental belief system is anti-American.”

The congressional candidate also cited passages in the Quran that call for nonbelievers to be killed. Many Muslims say the passages are often misinterpreted. Sessler also said that a majority Muslim Congress would threaten the security of the Constitution.

“What if the majority of Congress was Muslim?” Sessler told the Yakima Herald-Republic. “How safe and secure would our Constitution be? It wouldn’t be.”

Sessler told the Yakima Herald-Republic that, his own views aside, if elected he would engage with and be respectful of Muslim representatives in Congress.

He also told the paper that Muslims are welcome in America and that he supports Muslim Americans ascending to leadership positions, just not in Congress.

On social media, the Republican later defended his remarks.

In a comment on X, formerly Twitter, Sessler wrote: “As divisive as it is in America, Muslims may legally take the oath of office. Some even place their hand on the Quran which unequivocally calls for the killing of anyone that is not Muslim.

“It is nonsensical for people who love and appreciate all that it is to be American to vote for a Muslim, especially a radical one. Just because it is legal doesn’t mean it is helpful to the country, to our kids or to our future.”

This is not the first time Sessler has made such remarks. During the Washington primary in August, he argued that Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar could not uphold the constitution because she was a devout Muslim.

“Muslims cannot uphold the Constitution. It goes against their religious beliefs,” Sessler said, adding, “Shame on her voters for putting her there if they actually believe in America.”

There are three Muslim Americans in Congress: Omar, Indiana Representative André Carson and Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib.

Who Is Jerrod Sessler?

In addition to being a Navy veteran, Sessler is a former business owner and engineer. In 2004, he founded a maintenance company called HomeTask, Inc., but he has campaigned full time since his first political bid in 2021.

On his campaign website, Sessler described his “difficult and impoverished childhood” and positioned himself as “the poster child for the American dream.” If elected, his promises to defend the American dream, protect constitutional rights and national security, and be a voice for the country’s future. He is also committed to defending Second Amendment rights.

Sessler first ran against Newhouse in 2022, but he did not advance past the primaries. A Trump supporter, Sessler was in Washington, D.C., on January 6. However, he did not enter the Capitol. The former president has endorsed Sessler over Newhouse, one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump after the January 6 Capitol riot.

Newsweek has contacted the Trump campaign via email to ask whether the former president endorses Sessler’s opinions on Muslims in Congress.

In April, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Jerrod Sessler is a fantastic candidate and will be a GREAT Congressman for Washington State’s 4th Congressional district. A Navy Veteran, Entrepreneur, Loving Father and Husband, Jerrod will fight hard every day to secure the border, stand for the Rule of Law, strengthen our military, take care of our Vets, Defend our Nation, and protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”

In comparison, Trump called Newhouse “weak and pathetic.”

Source: Newsweek

The cartoon art was portrayed in National Review, a publication that has existed for far-right individuals ever since the 1950s. The publication accepts opinion, editorial and commentary pieces that anyone can submit. The cartoon was published last Thursday depicting Tlaib sitting near an exploding pager with Tlaib depicted saying ‘ODD MY PAGER JUST EXPLODED.’

Several pagers exploded in Lebanon last Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. The next day following the event several hand-held radios also erupted. The attacks killed several civilians and wounded many others in the region impacted by the explosion.

The attack was allegedly done by Israel, according to local security authorities in the region.
The Israeli military has killed over 40,0000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and injured several other citizens in the region ever since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.

Tlaib has continued to show her solidarity with Palestine. She has continued to be a harsh critic of Israel and its treatment of Palestinians. The ongoing war ever since Oct. 7, 2023, has stirred controversy among several people and their viewpoints on the situation.

The racist cartoon was submitted by Henry Payne, associated with the Detroit News. The Detroit News publicly distanced itself from the artwork in a statement to media outlets confirming that it did not choose to publish the work in its publication.

Tlaib responded to the cartoon artwork on social media citing division and racism with her being at the forefront.

“Our community is already in so much pain right now. This racism will incite more hate + violence against our Arab & Muslim communities,” Tlaib said on Twitter. “And it makes everyone less safe. It’s disgraceful that the media continues to normalize this racism.”

Several other organizations have said the artwork overstepped the local leader’s professionalism and called the artwork Islamophobic. It has sparked major backlash from Engage Action, a nonpartisan advocacy group helping Muslims in politics, and helping Muslim citizens with voting.

The group took to their Instagram platform to write their views regarding the cartoon artwork.

“Language like this fuels hate, leading to an increase in violence and hate crimes, which we’re already witnessing across the country. It’s beyond offensive to joke about this and we demand a public apology,” wrote Emgage Action on Instagram.

Lawmakers and local Michigan leaders condemn the cartoon artwork. Some of the leaders stated it could sanction violence against a sitting U.S. Congresswoman and attacks Tlaib’s professionalism. Many individuals also noted Tlaib’s background as a Palestinian-American, and called the artwork “anti-Arab.”

“Pay attention to who condemns this,” said Democrat State Representative Abraham Aiyash, who is the Michigan House Floor leader. “And then recognize the different standards Arab and Muslim politicians are held by. When I was doxed by the far right and had threats made against me and my family, party leaders told me ‘I shouldn’t have said’ things to ‘stoke anger’ ( I was calling out the racist attempt to not certify the election in Detroit). This normalization of hate will induce violence against Rashida, but somehow that’s not worthy of fierce condemnation.”

Tlaib has continued to fight for a ceasefire in Palestine. When Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the United States and spoke to Congress she held a sign that read ‘war criminal’ during his entire speech.

She has been criticized by several individuals as being a Palestinian-American and staying firm on her personal views of the war happening overseas.

Source: Reuters

In the wake of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi’s fatal shooting, critics question whether the US will seek justice from Israeli forces.

The fatal shooting of a 26-year-old Turkish American protester in the occupied West Bank has sparked fresh calls for the United States to demand accountability from Israel’s armed forces.

But advocates say justice for US citizens killed by Israeli soldiers has long proven elusive, with many accusing the administration of President Joe Biden of applying a double standard to Israel and its military.

Friday’s shooting claimed the life of 26-year-old Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a dual US and Turkish citizen who was taking part in a demonstration against an illegal Israeli settlement on Mount Sbeih in Beita, a town south of Nablus.

During the protest, witnesses said an Israeli soldier shot Ezgi Eygi in the head, and she collapsed in an olive grove. She later died of her wounds at Rafidia Hospital in Nablus.

Palestinian American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib was among the first US officials to respond to the killing, and she called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to “do something to save lives”.

Blinken himself was asked about the killing at a news briefing later in the day, where a journalist pressed him on the military aid the US continues to provide to Israel.

“I just want to extend my deepest condolences, condolences of the United States government, to the family of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi,” Blinken responded. “We deplore this tragic loss.”

He said the Biden administration would “gather the facts” and “act on it” as necessary.

“I have no higher priority than the safety and protection of American citizens, wherever they are,” Blinken added, echoing a similar statement made by US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew.

Source: Al Jazeera

There were about 2.35 million Muslim adults and children living in the United States in 2007 – accounting for 0.8% of the U.S. population – when Pew Research Center began measuring this group’s size, demographic characteristics and views. Since then, growth has been driven primarily by two factors: the continued flow of Muslim immigrants into the U.S., and Muslims’ tendency to have more children than Americans of other faiths.

In 2015, the Center projected that Muslims could number 3.85 million in the U.S. by 2020 – roughly 1.1% of the total population. However, Muslim population growth from immigration may have slowed recently due to changes in federal immigration policy.

The number of Muslim houses of worship in the U.S. also has increased over the last 20 years. A study conducted in 2000 by the Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership identified 1,209 mosques in the U.S. that year. Their follow-up study in 2011 found that the number of mosques had grown to 2,106, and the 2020 version found 2,769 mosques – more than double the number from two decades earlier.

Alongside their population growth, Muslims have gained a larger presence in the public sphere. For example, in 2007, the 110^th Congress included the first Muslim member, Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn. Later in that term, Congress seated a second Muslim representative, Rep. Andre Carson, D-Ind. The current 117^th Congress has two more Muslims alongside Carson, the first Muslim women to hold such office: Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., first elected in 2018. ..Though many Americans have negative views toward Muslims and Islam, 53% say they don’t personally know anyone who is Muslim, and a similar share (52%) say they know “not much” or “nothing at all” about Islam. Americans who are not Muslim and who personally know someone who is Muslim are more likely to have a positive view of Muslims, and they are less likely to believe that Islam encourages violence more than other religions.

Source: Pew Research Center

Now, however, with anti-Muslim sentiment ablaze among supporters of Donald Trump, and the president hardly discouraging it, that love-in is a distant memory. American Muslims are gaining political visibility, but only on the far left of the spectrum. Symptomatic of this shift is the election to the House of Representatives of two Muslim women (Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar) who along with two female colleagues, also left-wing Democrats, have been taunted by Mr. Trump and his supporters.

A huge change in Muslim sentiment was clear in the 2004 presidential race and confirmed by the 2008 contest won by Barack Obama. By 2007 some 63% of American Muslims at least “leaned towards” the Democrats, against only 11% for the Republicans. These figures have not changed very much since, according to Pew Research, a pollster. Among Muslims who voted in the 2016 presidential race, only 8% said they opted for Mr Trump (who had declared that “Islam hates us”) and 78% for Hillary Clinton…

Continue reading at: The Economist

Organized by the Muslim Caucus, the Muslim Collective for Equitable Democracy 2019 will feature appearances by representatives Omar, as well as a host of other prominent Muslim American figures, including Gold Star father Khizr Khan and Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress and current Minnesota attorney general. But the organizers are disappointed in the low turnout from major Democratic presidential candidates.

Ilhan Omar, others set to speak at first annual conference. Most major 2020 candidates are not attending. Aside from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who is slated to attend the two-day conference in person on Tuesday, and Elizabeth Warren, who plans to address the conference via livestream on Wednesday, none of the major primary candidates from the Democratic Party will participate in the event… The conference comes at a time when rights groups have documented an increase in Islamophobic attacks on Muslim communities and individuals.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) recorded a 17 percent increase in anti-Muslim bias incidents in 2017. It also documented 300 hate crimes against Muslim Americans in 2017, a 15 percent increase from the previous year.

Source: Alzaeera

Two Muslim women from the Midwest were elected to the House of Representatives on Tuesday, making history as the first females of their faith to serve in Congress. The candidates secured their wins by running on a socially progressive platforms.

Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American, will represent Michigan, and Ilhan Omar, once a Somali refugee in Kenya, will represent Minnesota. Both received an overwhelming majority of the vote in their respective districts on Tuesday and join a surge of Democratic women coming to the new Congress.

The women align with the left wing of the Democratic Party which focused its campaigns on vows to extend Medicare health coverage to all Americans and increase the minimum wage to $15. In 2016, Ms. Tlaib was arrested for disrupting a speech from then-candidate Donald Trump in Detroit, where she shouted at him that “our kids deserve better,” a move that cemented her progressive political credentials for some supporters.

Both Ms. Tlaib, 42, and Ms. Omar, 37, have made comments that are critical of Israel. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict was not a central campaign issue for either candidate, but their views on the matter could test Democrats in a narrow House majority. The party typically draws widespread support from Jewish voters and donors. Seventy-one percent of American Jews voted for the Democrats, as did 80% of Muslims, according to AP VoteCast, a pre-election and Election Day survey of about 90,000 people who said they voted in the midterms or intended to do so.

Ms. Tlaib has said she would vote against bills that include aid to Israel; Ms. Omar has drawn criticism for a 2012 tweet in which she says that “Israel has hypnotized the world” with its “evil doings.”

Source: The Wall Street Journal