CAIR and the Astounding Naivete of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors

Hat tip Investigative Project on Terrorism

Recently, I posted an article about the plans for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to contribute $15,000 of public funds to the Congress of American Islamic Relations (CAIR) towards the annual CAIR banquet in San Diego. Subsequently, the Board voted in favor of the funding. Prior to that vote, I, along with many others, contacted the Board to express my disapproval.

Yesterday, I received an email from Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, the text of which is below: 

Dear friends, 

Recently, the Board of Supervisors approved a community grant to the Council on American Islamic Relations San Diego (CAIR-SD) for their 15th Annual gala. The grant covered banquet expenses, including printing, marketing, supplies, and venue fees. Many of our most important elected officials, including our Congressmember Sara Jacobs, attended this banquet. 

Individuals called me to express concerns regarding funds for CAIR San Diego. First, thank you for reaching out to ensure I understand the issues. 

As a person of the Jewish faith, part of a lineage of survivors, I know intimately how people like me have been persecuted and killed by those who hate us. There is no justification for antisemitism or hate of Jews, ever. Anything to the contrary would be wholly unacceptable and will be publicly condemned by my colleagues and me.  

The banquet was a joyous event focused on the excellent work of the local CAIR San Diego. CAIR San Diego has informed me that the speakers chosen, align with their values, including “standing against Islamophobia, antisemitism, and the civil rights of all.” That is integral to their mission. 

The current leadership of CAIR San Diego has been an essential ally in standing against hate in our region. As a part of Sister Faiths–organized by Muslims, Jews, and Christians–CAIR San Diego has engaged in interfaith dialogues, served meals, and engaged in ecumenical events meant to bring communities together. 

In this time where there has been an increase in antisemitism, I commit to you to protect our community and the integrity of our right to exist. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss how we can work together. 

Sincerely, 

Terra Lawson-Remer

Supervisor, Third District 

Disclosure: Correspondents should assume that all communication to or from this address is recorded and may be reviewed by third parties and the public upon request. 

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My response to Supervisor Lawson-Remer:

Thank you for your response. With all due respect, you are very naive about the nature of CAIR. 

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Additional comments: 

I would like to focus on the below paragraph of Supervisor Lawson-Remer's response:

"The banquet was a joyous event focused on the excellent work of the local CAIR San Diego. CAIR San Diego has informed me that the speakers chosen, align with their values, including “standing against Islamophobia, antisemitism, and the civil rights of all.” That is integral to their mission."

The announced speakers for the conference can be found here. 

I am quite familiar with Hussam Ayloush (Southern California CEO of CAIR) and Muzammil Siddiqi, the head of the Islamic Center of Orange County Mosque in Garden Grove, California. I have interacted with both of them on several occasions. Both men, especially Siddiqi, have convinced gullible people like Supervisor Lawson-Remer that they are moderate Muslims, but to those more familiar with them, one has to question the values that Lawson-Remer refers to. I am unfamiliar with Saad Eldegwy and Ismahan Abdullahi. I will note, however, that Abdullahi is Public Affairs and Community Outreach national director for the Muslim American Society  This organization is an arm of the Egyptian-based Muslim Brotherhood, from which so many terror organizations have sprouted, including Al Qaeda. In addition, I was able to come up with this speech by Abdullahi (date and location not noted).