'Weaponising antisemitism?': CAIR requests clarity over funding ban on NGOs critical of Israeli genocide

The Council on American-Islamic Relations have asked the Department of Homeland Security to clarify reports claiming that the federal government would withhold funding from Muslim NGOs if they've been critical of Israel.

CAIR shared in a public statement that they were informed that DHS planned to cancel grants for NGOs they deemed to have ties to Hamas due to their support for Palestinian human rights, based on guidance from the far-right Middle East Forum.

"CAIR has issued a warning to non-profits to not accept grants," Robert McCaw, CAIR's government affairs director, told The New Arab. "The government should not be able to ban grants based on religious affiliation or criticism of Israel's genocide of Palestinians. DHS has to clarify reports that it is investigating American Muslim groups."

Though the government has not offered a clarification on these reports, similar steps have been taken in recent weeks targeting individuals and entities deemed too critical of Israel.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration announced that federal disaster aid for states would depend on not boycotting Israel, a condition that would be stated in grant notices.

This latest apparent move appears to be part of a larger pressure campaign to quell vocal criticism of Israel.

"If DHS is taking direction from the Middle East Forum, that would also be deeply ironic given that Pipes has condemned President Trump as selfish, repulsive, [and] unsuited for the presidency,' and tolerates the president because of his support for Israel," CAIR said in a public statement.

"Bottom line: the government cannot ban American Muslim organisations from receiving federal grants based on their religious affiliation or their criticism of Israel," CAIR said. "The Department of Homeland Security must clarify its reported plans, uphold the law, and reject collaboration with racist hate groups."