The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, and its New York chapter (CAIR-NY) today welcomed the reported disruption of a plot to firebomb the home of New York-based Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani.
According to Associated Press: “Federal authorities said they had arrested Andrew Heifler, 26, as he was assembling Molotov cocktails to throw at Kiswani’s home.”
In a joint statement, Washington, D.C.-based CAIR and CAIR-NY said:
“We welcome law enforcement’s disruption of the alleged plot to firebomb the home of Palestinian-American activist Nerdeen Kiswani. No one in our nation should face violence or intimidation because of their identity, advocacy, or political views.
“This disturbing case underscores the growing climate of harassment, threats, and violence directed at those speaking out on Palestinian human rights and other social justice issues. Such actions not only endanger individuals but also threaten the fundamental freedoms of speech and civic engagement.
“We urge a full and transparent investigation, appropriate prosecution of those responsible, and continued vigilance by law enforcement to protect all communities from hate-driven violence. Public officials and community leaders must also speak out clearly and consistently against rhetoric that can incite violence and discrimination.”
According to CAIR’s most recent civil rights report, complaints of anti-Muslim bias and discrimination have continued to rise nationwide, reflecting an ongoing pattern of Islamophobia impacting communities across the country.
SEE: 2026 Civil Rights Report: The Right to be Different
END
CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, ANasher@cair.com; CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com