A former Women's March leader and ally of Rep. Rashida Tlaib has sparked controversy by mourning the assassination of a top Hamas leader. Zahra Billoo, the executive director of CAIR in San Francisco, took to social media to express her support for the Palestinian cause.
A former Women's March leader and close ally of Rep. Rashida Tlaib has reignited controversy with her support for the Palestinian cause. Zahra Billoo, the executive director of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in San Francisco, mourned the assassination of a top Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in a series of social media posts.
Billoo's posts have drawn widespread backlash, with many accusing her of condoning terrorism and anti-Semitism. In one post, she quoted the Quran, saying, "Never say that those martyred in the cause of Allah are dead—in fact, they are alive! But you do not perceive it." She also used the phrase "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," which has been used to promote the elimination of Israel.
Anti-Israel Activist Mourns Hamas Leader, Tlaib Ally Raises Eyebrows
Billoo's comments have raised concerns about the views held by some leaders within CAIR, a prominent Muslim civil rights organization. In the past, other CAIR officials have made controversial statements, including expressing support for Hamas and questioning the legitimacy of Israel's self-defense.
Zahra Billoo has been a controversial figure for several years, particularly for her anti-Israel rhetoric. In 2019, she was ousted from the Women's March board after just two days due to her inflammatory posts.
Anti-Israel Activist Mourns Hamas Leader, Tlaib Ally Raises Eyebrows
Despite the controversy, Rep. Rashida Tlaib has consistently defended Billoo. After her ouster from the Women's March, Tlaib tweeted, "They won't silence us for speaking out against human rights violations."
In the past, Billoo has donated nearly $1,000 to Tlaib's campaigns. She has also attended Tlaib fundraising events and expressed support for the congresswoman's policies.
Anti-Israel Activist Mourns Hamas Leader, Tlaib Ally Raises Eyebrows
Billoo's comments have sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability. Many have criticized Tlaib for her association with Billoo, questioning whether such alliances are compatible with her role as an elected official.
Some have also called for CAIR to distance itself from Billoo and her views. They argue that such statements undermine the organization's credibility and mission to promote religious tolerance.
Anti-Israel Activist Mourns Hamas Leader, Tlaib Ally Raises Eyebrows
This is not the first time that a CAIR leader has made controversial remarks. In December 2021, Nihad Awad, the executive director and co-founder of CAIR, said he was "happy to see" a Hamas invasion of Israel and that the Jewish state did not have a right to self-defense.
Such statements have raised concerns about the potential influence of extremist views within CAIR and its broader impact on interfaith relations.
Zahra Billoo's mourning of a Hamas leader has ignited a firestorm of controversy. Her statements have raised questions about the views held by some leaders within CAIR and the relationship between anti-Israel activism and support for terrorist organizations. The backlash highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges in promoting tolerance and understanding between different communities.
