Fox News reports that the campaign of Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed received more than $115,000 from 41 individuals affiliated with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The organization is designated as a terrorist entity by the United Arab Emirates and has been classified as such in Florida and Texas. CAIR has alleged ties to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, according to various sources. The group's CEO, Nihad Awad, previously drew condemnation for saying he was 'happy' to see Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Fox News reported Thursday that the campaign of Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, received over $115,000 from 41 individuals who work for or have held leadership positions in the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The organization is designated as a terrorist entity by the United Arab Emirates, and has been classified as such in Florida and Texas. CAIR has been linked to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood by various sources.
The report adds to the scrutiny surrounding El-Sayed, who won the Democratic primary on August 5. As The Zioneer reported, El-Sayed has refused to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state, called Israel's war against Hamas a 'genocide,' and compared Israel to the terror group. He has also been supported by controversial streamer Hasan Piker, who attacked critics as 'Islamophobic.'
CAIR's CEO, Nihad Awad, has been a source of controversy. In remarks following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, Awad said he was 'happy' to see Hamas 'break the siege' and claimed Israel has 'no right to self-defense.' The group has denied allegations of ties to Hamas, but multiple U.S. states and foreign governments have designated it as a terrorist organization.
El-Sayed will face Republican Mike Rogers in the November general election. His campaign has not yet commented on the Fox News report.
- DevelopingAbdul El-Sayed defeats pro-Israel incumbent Haley Stevens in Michigan Senate primary
- DevelopingU.S. health agency sent nearly $80 million to 14 groups accused of Hamas, Hezbollah links, report says
- StrongEl-Sayed directly appeals to Michigan Jewish voters after primary win, vows commitment to Jewish safety
- DevelopingTed Cruz comments on Abdul El-Sayed's Michigan Senate nomination
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