California’s Governor Newsom Meets with Muslim Leaders to Discuss Gaza Crisis
Alenteshar Newspaper
In a significant meeting organized by the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), Governor Gavin Newsom convened with Muslim leaders from throughout California ahead of the holiday season to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This gathering saw the participation of notable organizations such as the Northern California Islamic Council, Palestinian American Medical Association, West Valley Muslim Association, Muslim Students Association West, and the Shura Council of Southern California.
The discussions focused on the dire situation in Gaza, with CAIR-CA and its partner entities presenting several demands to the state administration. These included advocating for a permanent ceasefire and ensuring the protection of free speech rights, especially for university students participating in rallies concerning the crisis.
The assembly aimed to amplify the voices of the Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab communities in California amidst discussions on the genocide and humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza. Invited to the meeting were key figures, including staff, doctors, lawyers, community leaders, and advocates, who collectively endorsed an immediate ceasefire and the swift, unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza’s populace.
This meeting coincides with an open letter published by over 100 California-based Muslim organizations, calling on Governor Newsom and congressional officials to support a ceasefire in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has led to the deaths of over 22,000 Palestinian civilians, including more than 10,000 children, and has displaced 1.9 million individuals. The violence has also severely damaged critical infrastructure, severely limiting access to essential resources such as food, water, fuel, and healthcare.
CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush expressed satisfaction with Governor Newsom’s assurance to consider the concerns of his Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab constituents. Ayloush highlighted the governor’s track record as a civil rights advocate and urged him to leverage his leadership position to support the call for a ceasefire.
The meeting takes place against a backdrop of rising hate incidents targeting Muslim and Arab communities across the United States. Since October 7, there has been a reported 172% increase in anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian bias incidents, according to the latest data from CAIR National. These incidents range from harassment and workplace discrimination to the bullying of students in schools, underscoring the heightened need for leadership and advocacy in addressing these complex issues.
This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate
