CAIR Action calls for Shapiro’s disqualification over racist remarks
Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- CAIR Action, one of the US’s leading Muslim political organizations, has labeled Governor Josh Shapiro’s recently unearthed racist, anti-Palestinian remarks as “deeply disturbing and disqualifying.” The organization is urging American Vice President Harris to consider alternative vice presidential nominees who have not exhibited hostility towards Palestinian-Americans, American Muslims, or other communities.
In a strong statement, CAIR Action Executive Director Basim Elkarra condemned Governor Shapiro, highlighting his history of anti-Palestinian positions. “The racist, anti-Palestinian views Governor Shapiro expressed are deeply disturbing and should disqualify him from further consideration as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee,” said Elkarra.
Elkarra pointed out the troubling connections between Shapiro’s past and recent actions. He emphasized Shapiro’s comparison of pro-Palestinian college students to KKK members and his use of state power to silence critics of the Israeli government. These actions, Elkarra argues, reveal a consistent pattern of anti-Palestinian hostility that cannot be dismissed as youthful indiscretion.
Problematic Stance on Palestine
Governor Shapiro, a steadfast supporter of Israel, has faced backlash from Palestinian rights activists who see him as a public face of unwavering support for Israel. Shapiro’s remarks in a 1993 college newspaper op-ed, where he described Palestinians as “too battle-minded” to coexist with Israel, have resurfaced, further fueling the controversy. In the op-ed, Shapiro argued that peace in the Middle East was “virtually impossible” and criticized Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
Recent polling by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) indicates that the ongoing war in Gaza is the top concern for Muslim voters in swing states. Governor Shapiro’s comments and actions have only intensified the scrutiny of his candidacy among these voters.
As anti-Palestinian racism continues to escalate in America, activists argue that Shapiro’s nomination would be a disastrous choice. “Vice President Harris must now unite the country with a vice presidential pick who does not have a history of expressing racism or bigotry against any community,” urged Elkarra. He called for Shapiro to focus on rebuilding trust with the people of Pennsylvania instead.
Palestinian rights groups and activists, including the Democratic Socialists of America and the anti-Zionist Jewish group IfNotNow, have launched campaigns to thwart Shapiro’s nomination. They have created a website, “No Genocide Josh,” circulated an online petition, and used social media to rally opposition.
The Broader Implications
Governor Shapiro’s stance on Palestine has broader implications. His actions, such as supporting the dismissal of the University of Pennsylvania’s president amid accusations of tolerating antisemitism and updating a code of conduct for state employees to forbid behavior interpreted as targeting Palestinian rights activists, have been criticized as attempts to suppress dissent.
