A common practice of the right-wing is to target minorities by using puppets and enablers within those minority groups to affirm xenophobic views. Dr. Zuhdi Jasser serves this role for the most vile anti-Muslim organizations and funders in this country.
His organization, the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, is almost entirely funded by Islamophobe entities, including the Clarion Fund. Dr. Jasser has appeared side by side with notable anti-Muslim bigots, supports the NYPD spying on Muslim students, testified against American Muslims during the Peter King hearings, is in favor of anti-sharia legislation, says that Islam is “operationally, not peaceful”, and generally subscribes to the entire Islamophobe platform – all the while asserting that because he is Muslim, his statements must be taken factually.
Because of the acceptance of Islamophobia in the Republican party, Dr. Jasser enjoys broad GOP support. Recently, Senator Mitch McConnell (R – Kentucky) appointed Dr. Zuhdi Jasser to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, claiming Dr. Jasser represents moderate Muslims. Nothing could be further from the truth, and nothing could be a greater slap in the face to the entire spectrum of the American Muslim community.
In response, over 64 American Muslim organizations wrote a letter to the U.S. Senate, demanding Dr. Jasser’s appointment be rescinded. [pdf]
SEE: Muslim opposition grows to religious freedom nominee (Washington Post)
SEE: US rights appointee Zuhdi Jasser hits raw nerve for American Muslims (MSNBC)
SEE: Zuhdi Jasser should disavow ties to Islamophobic Clarion Fund (Think Progress)
Finally, do your part, sign the petition demanding Dr. Jasser’s appointment be rescinded.
