The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has reported a significant increase in discrimination and attacks against Muslims and Palestinians in the U.S. in the first half of 2024. The number of complaints received by CAIR rose by about 70% compared to the same period in 2023, reflecting heightened Islamophobia linked to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
Key points from the report include:
- Increase in Complaints: CAIR received 4,951 complaints of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian incidents in the first six months of 2024, compared to around 2,900 in the same period in 2023.
- Types of Complaints: The majority of complaints involved issues related to immigration and asylum, employment discrimination, education discrimination, and hate crimes.
- Notable Incidents: The report highlights several serious incidents, including the fatal stabbing of a Palestinian-American child and other violent attacks on Palestinians and Muslims in the U.S.
- Context: The rise in incidents is attributed to the increased Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian sentiment following the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October 2023. This conflict has resulted in significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis, exacerbating tensions globally.
CAIR tracks these incidents through various channels, including public statements, media reports, and direct complaints.
