Increase in anti-Muslim incidents in US, says report

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) released a report showing a remarkable 56% increase in anti-Muslim incidents in the United States, particularly after Oct. 7.

Simultaneously, pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University spread to several campuses across the country, leading to accusations of anti-Semitism by pro-Israel groups.

While efforts by universities to address these protests have inflamed free speech debates, accusations of anti-Semitism have raised concerns about growing Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian sentiment across the country.

CAIR New Jersey Communications Director Dina Syedahmed condemned the use of anti-Semitism allegations to silence Palestinian and Muslim students criticizing Israel as a violation of free speech.

Growing concerns

"This is mainly because of unbalanced, disingenuous and dishonest statements by public officials about Palestine and Muslims," Sayedahmed said, pointing out that from 2023 to 2024, CAIR witnessed an over 200% increase in anti-Muslim incidents.

Kaiser Aslam of the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University emphasized that the campus protests are mainly targeting Israeli policies, not Jewish individuals.

However, Muslim students are facing increasing Islamophobia and harassment.

"We have been the target not only of smear campaigns but also of actual violence," he added, referring to an attack on the center earlier this month.

'Need for urgent administrative intervention'

Sumayya, a student of Palestinian origin, detailed the growing Islamophobia and targeted harassment of Muslims on campuses, highlighting the urgent need for administrative intervention.

On the other hand, pro-Palestinian demonstrations extended to prestigious universities such as NYU, Yale, MIT, Tufts, the New School and the University of North Carolina.

However, pro-Israel groups called on the National Guard to intervene, alleging anti-Semitism.

The recent attack on the Islamic Life Center at Rutgers University during Eid al-Fitr emphasized the escalation of Islamophobic incidents alongside accusations of anti-Semitism, further signaling the urgent need for comprehensive action to address these growing concerns.

Source: AA