Los Angeles, California – In a troubling incident, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) strongly condemned violent attacks on UCLA’s anti-genocide student encampment by a mob of pro-Israel extremists. Several individuals were injured in the altercation, leading to calls for law enforcement to identify and prosecute those responsible.
CAIR-LA urged political leaders at both the state and national levels to denounce the attack with the same energy they have previously used to criticize peaceful protests against the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza. The organization also demanded an investigation into the lack of police protection provided to the anti-genocide students during the incident.
Director Hussam Ayloush from CAIR-LA issued a statement condemning the violent actions of the pro-Israel extremists, emphasizing that free speech should not be met with hate crimes. Ayloush called for the identification and prosecution of those responsible for the violence, highlighting the need for accountability.
Furthermore, CAIR-LA called on California Attorney General Rob Bonta to look into the response, or lack thereof, from the UCPD and LAPD as the pro-Israel mob targeted the students at the encampment. The organization pointed out a series of aggressive actions taken against the students in recent days, including racial slurs, threats, and other forms of intimidation.
The statement emphasized the importance of ensuring that students advocating for Palestinian rights can engage in peaceful protests without fear of violence or retaliation. CAIR-LA underscored the need for educational institutions like UCLA to safeguard the rights of students to protest against injustices without facing threats or attacks from extremist groups.
This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals who speak out against injustices and the importance of protecting their right to dissent peacefully. CAIR-LA, as a leading Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization in Southern California, continues to advocate for justice, civil rights, and empowerment within the American Muslim community.