The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported an uptick in anti-Muslim incidents in 2023, with a record-breaking 8,061 complaints nationwide. This increase marks the highest number of complaints received by the organization in its 30-year history of recording cases. The incidents documented by CAIR include hate crimes, employment discrimination, and education discrimination. Nearly half of the complaints in 2023 were reported in the last three months of the year, following the escalation of the conflict in Gaza. The war in Gaza, which resulted in thousands of Palestinian casualties, has fueled anti-Muslim sentiment and led to a surge in hate crimes against Muslim and Palestinian Americans.
The spike in Islamophobia following the war in Gaza has been described as even greater than the backlash seen after the implementation of the Muslim travel ban by former President Donald Trump in 2017. While anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian racism are not synonymous with Islamophobia, the report highlights the conflation of Muslim and Arab identities by those aiming to vilify both groups. Employment discrimination, hate crimes, and education discrimination were the top three categories of Islamophobia in 2023, accounting for 44% of the total complaints received. The increase in hate incidents, up to 607 in 2023 from 117 in 2022, has left Muslim and Arab communities feeling unsafe and unsupported.
Muslim and Arab groups have criticized the White House for not calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and for failing to address the human rights violations against Palestinians by Israeli forces. Many Muslim and Arab voters have expressed disillusionment with President Joe Biden and opted for ‘uncommitted’ on their ballots during the Democratic primary season. CAIR’s research and advocacy coordinator, Farah Afify, emphasized the need for political leaders to take a stand against Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism, as well as advocate for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Failure to address these issues could lead to further escalation of anti-Muslim bigotry.
The campaign of anti-Muslim bigotry and anti-Palestinian racism targeting supporters of Palestinian human rights has significantly impacted the safety of American Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian communities. Incidents of intimidation, harassment, and doxxing targeting activists, students, and individuals have been reported across the country. Some individuals have faced repercussions, such as losing their jobs, due to their pro-Palestine activism. College students, particularly Arabs and Muslims, have expressed feelings of insecurity and lack of support from their universities in the wake of increased discrimination.
CAIR’s research and advocacy director, Corey Saylor, highlighted the importance of holding political leaders accountable for endorsing discriminatory rhetoric and policies. He urged for strong condemnation of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism, as well as support for a ceasefire in Gaza to protect the lives of Muslims, Arabs, and Palestinians globally. Without meaningful changes in Gaza and efforts to reconcile with Muslim and Arab groups in the U.S., the situation of anti-Muslim bigotry is likely to worsen. It is essential for leaders to take a stand against discrimination and advocate for peace and justice for all communities affected by these issues.
