The Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston) today condemned the behavior of Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on “A Threat to Justice Everywhere: Stemming the Tide of Hate Crimes in America,” held on September 17, 2024.
In light of this disturbing behavior, CAIR-Houston, alongside other Texas Muslim organizations, is sending a formal letter to Senators Cruz and Cornyn to express our collective condemnation of their actions. CAIR-Houston also demands a public apology for their dismissive and disrespectful behavior during this critical hearing.
The hearing was convened in response to the tragic murder of 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi, a Palestinian American boy who was brutally stabbed 26 times in an anti-Muslim hate crime in Chicago. Senators Cruz and Cornyn chose to completely ignore two attempted murders of Palestinians in Texas with direct reference to their Muslim or Arab identities while being attacked. As communities across the country, particularly Muslims and Arabs, grapple with a rise in hate crimes, the expectation was that this hearing would address these critical issues with the gravity they deserve.
William White, Director of CAIR-Houston, stated:
“We are deeply disappointed in the actions of Senators Cruz and Cornyn. At a time when our community is mourning and seeking justice for Wadee Alfayoumi and others affected by hate crimes, our elected representatives chose to ignore the pain and concerns of the Muslim and Arab communities. Their conduct during the hearing was not only offensive but utterly dismissive of the real threats facing Muslims and Arabs across Texas and the nation.”
The hearing, which also featured testimony from Maya Berry, Executive Director of the Arab American Institute (AAI), revealed a disturbing disregard for the concerns of Muslim and Arab Americans. Testimony about the surge in hate crimes was overshadowed by unrelated foreign policy discussions, further demonstrating the lack of empathy and attention toward this pressing issue.
CAIR-Houston stands with its national and local partners in demanding accountability and meaningful action from elected officials. Silence and inaction in the face of Islamophobia, anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian sentiment only embolden further hate and violence.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: William White, CAIR-Houston Director, w-white@cair.com, 713-254-2016