(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 12/01/18) — The Philadelphia Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) today criticized CNN for its decision to fire Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, a professor, activist, and political commentator, after a speech Dr. Hill made at the United Nations supporting Palestinian independence.
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill is the Steve Charles Endowed Professor of Media Studies and Production in the Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University, as well as a frequent contributor to the media. Until last Thursday, Dr. Hill was also under contract as a political commentator on CNN.
We find it ironic that organizations that have repeatedly complained about the so-called “de-legitimatization” of Israel are now attempting to de-legitimize and silence public critics of Israeli human rights abuses.
In a statement, Jacob Bender, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director said: “While CAIR-Philadelphia has long criticized Israel’s oppressive occupation of Palestinian territory and its illegal and apartheid settlement policy, our organization is on the record as supporting a free exchange of ideas about the Israel-Palestine conflict, both in the media as well as in the academy. The goal of achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians, based upon equal justice and international law, is a goal that should be shared all across the political spectrum. That goal is not served by the elimination of the voices of those who criticize Israel, such as Dr. Hill.”
CAIR-Philadelphia urges CNN to immediately rehire Dr. Hill as one of its political commentators.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Jacob Bender, 267-515-6710 (office), jbender@cair.com
