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SearchToday in Islamophobia: In the United States, in a recent podcast episode, Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) called Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) a “terrorist” and said that some members of the progressive “Squad” “shouldn’t be Americans, meanwhile in Europe, the European Commission’s coordinator on combating anti-Muslim hatred has said that racism and Islamophobia are seemingly on the rise in several member states, and in the United Kingdom, the desecration of Muslim graves at a cemetery near Watford should be treated as an Islamophobic attack, and not just an act of vandalism, says a local charity. Our recommended read of the day is by J. David Goodman for The New York Times on how Texas Governor Greg Abbott is trying to stop the development of a planned Islamic community near Dallas, which has caused a sharp rise in anti-Muslim hostility and division across the region. This and more below:
United States
Texas Muslims Want to Build Homes and a Mosque. The Governor Says No. | Recommended Read
In most circumstances, the development of a 400-acre field of corn and hay outside Josephine, Texas, would hardly stand out in the state, just another parcel of farmland set to become houses in the ever-expanding sprawl of the Dallas suburbs. Yet in recent months, Gov. Greg Abbott has thrown himself into stopping the planned community. The reason? It would be anchored by a mosque. “To be clear, Shariah law is not allowed in Texas,” the Republican governor wrote on social media in late February, reposting a video advertising the project. “Nor are Shariah cities.” Nearly a quarter century has passed since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, raised anti-Muslim sentiment around the country, often under the banner of fighting Islamic law, or Shariah. It has been 15 years since politicians in New York and Washington fanned the furor over a proposed Islamic center in Lower Manhattan near where the Twin Towers fell. Over that time, the population of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area has swelled by more than 60 percent, to around 8.3 million. Its growth has included a diverse influx of new Texans from all over the world, many of them Muslim, but also Hindu, Christian and Jewish. But Josephine’s master-planned community of about 1,000 homes proposed by members of the East Plano Islamic Center, known as EPIC, has shown how old sentiments can linger. “There is no crime here,” protested Dan Cogdell, a veteran criminal defense lawyer hired by the Islamic Center to defend the development. “It’s 9/11 all over again in terms of the reaction.” Before Mr. Abbott’s involvement, few outside of North Texas had heard of the development. Now, nearly the whole state has. read the complete article
I’m a Jewish Israeli in the US standing up for Palestine. By Trump’s logic, I’m a terror supporter
Given recent patterns, the FBI might need to take a hard look at my actions over the years. If Mahmoud Khalil, Rumeysa Ozturk, Yunseo Chung, Badar Khan Suri and other recent Ice detainees are considered threats to national security, then so am I. I have committed the same acts they have committed, including publishing an article that calls the war in Gaza a genocide, participating in a protest against the genocide in Gaza, speaking and protesting in favor of BDS (boycott, divestment, sanctions against Israel), participating in a sit-in at UC Davis about 10 years ago, and being vocal in general about the atrocities committed by Israel against the people of Gaza and Palestinians. Let me tell you a little more about myself and all the additional reasons you might want to investigate and perhaps arrest me. I was born in Israel and became a naturalized US citizen through my American mother. Given the administration’s recent challenges to the 14th amendment, which provides birthright citizenship, you might proceed from detaining legal residents to revoking the rights of naturalized citizens. Like other fascist regimes before you, you’ve been testing how much resistance you face in your effort to turn the United States into a fascist country. You start with the most marginalized, sending incarcerated trans women to men’s prisons, Venezuelans accused of gang affiliation to El Salvador, and detaining Arab and Muslim legal residents. But if the past is any indication, your next target might well be children of undocumented immigrants or naturalized citizens. Of course, as every student of fascism well knows, the ultimate goal is to apprehend all the supposed enemies of this administration, regardless of their legal status. Furthermore, I must confess to using academic concepts that have come under scrutiny as antisemitic by the Department of Justice taskforce for antisemitism. As a former member of the Israel Defense Forces, I have come a long way. It took me many years of soul-searching to realize that I was complicit in a settler-colonial occupation force and that my best recourse to make amends for that was to be outspoken about my country’s atrocities. As I tried to better understand the terrible tragedy of Zionism – a nationalist ideology that sought to free Jews from oppression only to end up as oppressors in Palestine – I confess to describing concepts such as apartheid, settler colonialism, ethno-nationalism and more. read the complete article
GOP Rep. Randy Fine, the newest Jewish congressman, calls Rashida Tlaib a ‘terrorist’ | Recommended Read
Only a week after being sworn into Congress, Jewish Rep. Randy Fine directed his latest inflammatory statement at a Muslim colleague. On a podcast Wednesday, the Florida Republican and self-proclaimed “Hebrew Hammer” called Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib a “terrorist” and said that some members of the progressive “Squad” — of which she is a member — “shouldn’t be Americans.” “I think some of these people should not be in Congress. I think they’re a disgrace. I think some of them shouldn’t be Americans. I don’t think they love our country. And I’m not gonna be afraid to call them out and go right at them because I think they’re bad people,” Fine told podcast host Gabe Groisman, a former mayor of Bal Harbour, Florida, and board member of the Republican Jewish Coalition. Fine continued, “And particularly people like Rashida Tlaib. She’s just a bad person. She’s not a terrorist sympathizer, she’s a terrorist. And I don’t mind saying it because it’s true.” He did not elaborate. It’s not the first time the Trump-backed politician has used crude language against Tlaib — who is Palestinian-American and one of the House’s harshest critics of Israel — or against other Muslim politicians. When Fine first announced his run for Congress in November, he tweeted “#BombsAway” at Tlaib and Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, a fellow Squad member and Israel critic, writing that both “might want to consider leaving before I get there.” Fine’s remarks at the time were condemned by a range of groups. He refused to apologize, instead building more attacks at Muslims into his campaign — calling his Democratic opponent Josh Weil, a convert to Islam, “Jihad Josh.” read the complete article
For some students who protested war in Gaza, fear and silence is a new campus reality
Last spring, Cornell University was home to a student encampment, where dozens slept in tents on the quad to protest Israel's war in Gaza. The demonstration lasted more than two weeks. It was part of a wave of demonstrations at schools around the country calling on universities to divest from Israel — protests that students have defended as largely peaceful. However, much of that same activism is now under increased scrutiny as part of a policy that the Trump administration says is aimed at eliminating antisemitism, particularly on American campuses. The effort has led to the targeting of non-citizen students over their past pro-Palestinian activism, resulting in students losing visas and several high-profile arrests. These incidents have created a climate of uncertainty at many colleges and universities, leaving some students feeling increasingly silenced and fearful. Sam disagrees with the administration labeling the protests as antisemitic. She argues the movement she supports is focused on criticizing Israel and its policies towards Palestinians — not discriminating against Jewish students. But watching Trump's actions has made her worried for her safety. read the complete article
The U.S. is abducting students. What will be the cost to us?
In recent weeks, the world has been shocked by images of masked and hooded individuals — apparently U.S. government officials — rounding up college students for detention and deportation. This is a stunning development, one that inflames passions and sensibilities. Discussion of this issue so far has rightly revolved around freedom of speech, civil liberties, and due process. But now is the time for U.S. policymakers to consider the impact that these abductions are having worldwide. America prides itself on our rule of law, and seeing students accosted and “disappeared” from our nation’s streets is deeply troubling. Parents around the world are understandably disturbed by such authoritarian tactics, and their immediate reaction will be to keep their children out of harm’s way (in other words, out of the United States). These abductions have begun to have a chilling effect that we have seen only once before in recent memory: In the months and years after Sept. 11, 2001, enrollments by Arab and Muslim students in U.S. colleges and universities plummeted. This includes the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, where chambers of commerce like mine promote U.S. goods and services. In 2004, our chamber conservatively estimated that stricter visa policies cost the U.S. more than $5 billion per year from the Middle East and North Africa region alone in commerce, tourism, medical treatments and higher education. The biggest loss of 9/11 was the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent Americans. The second biggest loss, in my opinion, was the “lost generation” of foreign students who decided against studying in the United States because of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim backlash after 9/11. read the complete article
United Kingdom
Hate crime probe urged for attack on pro-Palestinian protest in New York City
A hate crime probe is being urged following an attack on a protester during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York City. On Monday, an individual was reported to have thrown faeces, rubbish, and liquid out of a window in the Summit Apartments complex in midtown on pro-Palestine protesters, which also cracked the window of a police car. "We strongly condemn this abhorrent attack on pro-Palestinian protesters. This is yet another example of an attack on Palestinian solidarity amidst the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza," Afaf Nasher, executive director of the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said in a public statement. "We call on law enforcement to investigate the incident as a possible hate crime, and we urge elected officials to publicly condemn the attack and affirm the right of their residents to peaceful assemble for political protest," she said. Since the outbreak of Israel's war on Gaza in October 2023, there has been a surge in bias incidents against Arabs and Muslims in the US. Some have been targeted for their names, for wearing a keffiyeh or for holding a Palestinian flag. read the complete article
Muslim convert gets life over mosque terror plot
A Muslim convert who researched military locations and threatened to "flatten" a Birmingham mosque in a terror attack has been jailed for life. Jason Savage, from Small Heath, Birmingham, was found guilty in January of engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, having plotted to stab an Islamic cleric who was an outspoken critic of terrorism. At Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, Judge Mrs Justice Farbey told Savage she was sure he had been actively planning a "lone wolf attack" inspired by the self-styled Islamic State (IS) group. He was told he would serve a minimum term of 16 years. At his trial, jurors were shown footage of Savage filming a reconnaissance exercise near a mosque and Islamic bookstore on Wright Street, Small Heath, in March last year. Savage can be seen recording himself saying of the scene: "That seems like the best way to get away - the police will probably come from that way." read the complete article
Why the outrage over revert?
It is always hard to speak up as a Muslim woman and a convert. Discussing our faith with friends and family who are not Muslim can be challenging. Criticising aspects of the Muslim communities we now belong to in the UK risks a backlash. So I was pleasantly surprised to read a recent BBC article in which a group of women in Peterborough were interviewed about Eid and spoke frankly about how lonely it can be for those who have chosen Islam as their way of life. Sadly, it didn’t take long for critics to overlook the emotional testimony of the women interviewed, in favour of creating a furore about the BBC’s use of the word revert, an informal term used to describe someone who now identifies as a Muslim. “Fury as BBC describe Muslim converts as ‘reverts’ with broadcaster accused of repeating Islamist propaganda,” said the Sun, adding, “It is typically associated with Islamist fundamentalism.” Since the backlash, the BBC has changed the word revert to convert throughout the story. As Hyphen readers will know, Muslim converts are a diverse community who express their faiths in multiple ways. Some people use the term revert as a term of celebration because theologically Muslims believe in fitra, which decrees that all humans are born with an inclination towards recognising the oneness of God and that embracing Islam, choosing it as their way of life, is returning to one’s natural state. What is disturbing is how the response to the BBC’s article accuses anyone who uses the term revert as an “Islamist” or propagandist. None of this does justice to the myriad experiences of those who have converted to Islam. The journeys of reverts are not dissimilar to those who sometimes call themselves “born-again” Christians. Yet I have never heard politicians or the media characterise converted Christians in the language of extremism or division and nor should they. The controversy over the use of the term revert is yet another example of how it sometimes feels like open season for people to say whatever they want about Muslims. read the complete article
Desecration of Muslim graves at UK cemetery condemned as 'Islamophobic attack'
The desecration of Muslim graves at a cemetery near Watford should be treated as an Islamophobic attack, and not just an act of vandalism, a charity has said. Abbas Merali, councillor for Moor Park and Eastbury, reported in a statement on Instagram that graves in the Muslim burial section at Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Watford were "subjected to shameful acts of vandalism", with grave plaques belonging to children also destroyed. "These abhorrent actions have caused immense anguish to grieving families and profound hurt across our community," Merali said. He said that he had spoken to the Hertfordshire Police who confirmed that the incident is being treated as a "serious and targeted act of vandalism" and that a full investigation is under way. The councillor added that he would be following up with the police and local MP Gagan Mohindra to ensure "no stones are left unturned". read the complete article
India
‘I didn’t go’: The last Muslim man in Indian town hit by religious strife
Until September 2024, by lunchtime, he would have had between 20 and 25 customers come by, leaving their sherwanis, suits, coats, pants and winter wear. Some would sip a cup of tea with him while discussing politics and jokes, sharing their smiles and sorrows. Most of the customers were Hindu, a few, Muslim. But on this day, fewer than five Hindu customers visit his shop by noon. And he knows there’s no point waiting for a Muslim customer. Hasan is the last Muslim man in town. For generations, 15 Muslim families called Nanda Nagar home. It’s where Hasan was born and raised, where his family received invitations for Hindu festivals and hosted neighbours on Eid. He has collected wood for Hindu funeral pyres and shouldered the bodies of his Hindu friends. That all changed last September in an explosion of anti-Muslim violence triggered by a Hindu girl’s allegation of sexual harassment, but rooted in a broader shift in sentiment against the minority community that Hasan had noticed since COVID-19. Hate-filled slogans and marches culminated in physical assaults against Muslims, as their shops were destroyed. Fearing for their lives, the town’s small Muslim community fled in the cover of night. Only Hasan returned, with his wife, two daughters and two sons, adamant that they could make it work in the only place he knew as home. But the family lives in fear. Their Hindu neighbours don’t speak to them. He no longer goes for walks along the river like he used to every evening. He does not let his kids and wife meet anyone. And he worries about more violence breaking out. read the complete article
India deploys troops after deadly protests over Muslim endowment bill
Indian authorities have deployed troops to crack down on deadly protests in the eastern state of West Bengal over a recently passed controversial bill that critics say would dilute the rights of Muslims to manage religious endowments (waqf) worth more than $14bn. Protests over the federal Waqf amendment bill in West Bengal’s Muslim-majority Murshidabad district escalated on Friday and Saturday, resulting in three deaths and the arrests of more than 150 people, according to The Times of India newspaper. The daily said on Sunday that the Calcutta High Court had ordered the “immediate” deployment of the paramilitary Border Security Force (BSF) to the area. Karni Singh, inspector general of the BSF’s South Bengal Frontier division, said forces were sent to “help” local police, not for “independent action”. The bill, which amended a 1995 law on governing waqf or Muslim properties donated for religious or charitable purposes, was passed earlier this month after heated debates in both houses of Parliament. read the complete article
Canada
Muslims rallying voters have a message for party leaders: avoiding important issues could cost you votes
Expert says politicians don't want to touch topic of war in Gaza, but Muslims say avoiding it could hurt, too. Every Friday afternoon, Mustapha Ramadan stands outside the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) mosque in Mississauga, Ont., organizing a long line of cars arriving for prayers. He's one of many Muslims who say they plan on voting in the upcoming federal election, but haven't decided who will earn their ballot. One reason for this indecision is what many Muslims say is the lack of attention party leaders have been paying to the community and the issues that matter to them during this campaign. This lack of attention concerns Ramadan and other Muslim leaders who say they want politicians to engage with the community on issues that matter to them, like the ongoing war in Gaza, Islamaphobic attacks or Quebec's secularism law. One expert suggests that because these topics are often seen as controversial, politicians steer clear for fear it could cost them at the ballot box, but those working to mobilize Muslim voters warn that avoiding these issues could have the same effect. read the complete article
International
EU Islamophobia chief warns of normalisation of anti-Muslim narrative
The European Commission's coordinator on combating anti-Muslim hatred has said that racism and Islamophobia are seemingly on the rise in a number of member states. "We know that since the 7th of October (2023), in particular, anti-Muslim hate crime has increased, for instance, by 140 percent in Germany," Marion Lalisse told Anadolu Agency during Türkiye's Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Lalisse added: "Obviously, you can have views about religions, about politics, but you cannot incite hatred against a group of individuals who are full parts of Europe, integral components of our society." "I think that we have, unfortunately, a normalisation of anti-Muslim narrative, and narrative that is in the media, in the social media, don't remain only words," she said. "We need to have more diversity among journalists, also in the management of media, not only in the journalists themselves, but in the executive boards to make sure that there is a coverage reflecting the vast majority of Muslims," she explained. "Definitely, those acts are very detrimental to Europe, and they don't reflect our values, the values on which the EU was built," she said. read the complete article
‘Anti-Muslim hatred is real—and it’s a form of racism’
As anti-Muslim hatred spreads across continents, experts warn that Islamophobia, a modern-day manifestation of racism, is not just a Muslim issue but a crisis threatening the foundations of democracy, human rights, and pluralism. International experts on Sunday issued a clarion call for urgent global action against what they described as a rapidly worsening phenomenon – at a session titled ‘Confronting Discrimination and Racism in the 21st Century’ on the concluding day of the fourth Antalya Diplomacy Forum at the Turkish Mediterranean resort city. "The more we pursue inclusive societies, the more discrimination manifests itself," said Evren Dagdelen Akgun, Special Representative for Combating Intolerance and Discrimination Against Muslims, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Citing data from the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, she highlighted that one out of every two Muslims in Europe faces daily discrimination, if not harassment. “Treating the symptoms is not going to get us to cohesive societies,” she warned. "Anti-Muslim hatred is real, and by whatever name we call it, it is a form of racism." Akgun pointed to a vicious cycle in which racism and Islamophobia infiltrate democratic institutions, eroding representation, freedoms, and equality. This disenfranchisement, in turn, undermines the legitimacy of democracy itself, making it harder to counter these trends effectively. read the complete article
Germany
Turkish Community in Germany criticizes SPD, CDU/CSU coalition for non-inclusion of Muslims
The chairman of the Turkish Community in Germany (TGD) criticized a coalition agreement between the Conservatives and the Social Democrats for not including the issues of Muslims. "The coalition agreement does not give enough data for migrants in particular to feel safe in this country. Muslims and Islam are almost never mentioned in the coalition agreement, or when they are mentioned, it is in a negative way in terms of security,” Gokay Sofuoglu told Anadolu. Sofuoglu cited the absence of a migrant origin in the delegation, emphasizing the need for inclusion in the country’s administration. “We see the consequences of the fact that the perspective of migrants is not reflected in the coalition protocol,” he said. Sofuoglu said that there were positive steps in the security and the protection of Jews, but emphasized that not much focus was directed toward the safety of other migrants such as Muslims and Blacks. He stressed that the protocol lacked sufficient data to improve the situation of migrants in the country. read the complete article