(PHOENIX, AZ, 2/01/2022) – The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Arizona), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned remarks made by Rep. John Kavanagh targeting Afghan refugees who resettled in Arizona.
On January 25, 2022, State Rep. John Kavanagh tweeted a video spreading misinformation about Afghan Refugees and called for demonstrations outside of the hotel that was housing them.
In a statement, CAIR-Arizona Executive Director Azza Abuseif said:
“We condemn the remarks made by Rep. John Kavanagh for trying to fuel hate against people who came here to have a better life. Rep. John Kavanagh not only needs to research the thorough resettlement process, but also Arizona’s long history of resettling refugees.”
In a statement, Senator Martin Quezada said:
“We owe a duty to Afghan and all refugees to treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve. Rep. Kavanagh has failed in that effort and allowed his ignorance and rhetoric to further endanger the lives of all refugees. I implore him to be better.”
“The United States is a country of immigrants, and we commend the volunteers and private companies who are assisting at-risk Afghans and our Afghan Allies of 20 years. The Arizona Muslim Alliance opposes spreading misinformation that incites hatred, racism, and possible violence against any group of people. We support conversations and discussions of the facts with our elected officials. Since September 2021, the AMA Refugee task force has been supporting the new arrivals from Afghanistan with clothing, household items, furnishings, food, cultural education, assimilation education and English classes as they adapt to their new life. Numerous volunteers and organizations are taking action to help welcome our new neighbors,” said Suzanne Bassal, Media Committee Chair for the Arizona Muslim Alliance (AMA), an umbrella organization of local mosques, institutions, and nonprofit organizations aimed to have a unifying voice for Arizona’s Muslim Community.
“Our community stands in support and solidarity with Afghan newcomers and welcome them into their new homes. We stand against dangerous anti-refugee and immigrant rhetoric that increases the threat of physical violence, racism, and misinformation. We invite our state Rep. Kavanagh and other elected officials to learn more about the refugee resettlement process,” said Nejra Sumic, who oversees The We Are All America – Arizona Coalition centered on refugee advocacy and policy in Arizona.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Arizona Executive Director Azza Abuseif, [email protected], 602-349-1573; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]