PRESS STATEMENT: CAIR-Chicago Condemns Deadly Attack on Israeli Embassy Staffers in Washington, D.C.; Urges Equal Attention to Ongoing Genocidal Starvation Campaign in Gaza

(CHICAGO, IL, 5/22/25) – The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington, D.C. 

While millions of Americans share deep concern about the ongoing genocide and starvation campaigns carried out by Israel against Palestinians, political violence is completely unacceptable and does not advance the cause of justice. Peaceful protest, civil disobedience, and political engagement remain the only acceptable and effective tools for advocating justice and human rights. 

CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab stated: 

“We stand squarely against vigilante violence — even against those who may be complicit in genocide. It is lawless and criminal.   

We also reject the cynical attempts to link an act of a lone wolf to the movement of tens of thousands of peaceful anti-genocide protesters on our streets and in our schools. The fact is, the shooter departed from our peaceful movements, instead choosing to adopt Israeli government tactics: Israel assassinated seven foreign embassy personnel in Damascus a year ago.  

Lastly, we urge the media and the public to show equal concern for all victims of violence. For months, hundreds of innocent Gazan children have been slaughtered, and thousands now face deadly starvation. I have yet to receive a request for a statement. I reject the insinuation that their lives are any less worthy. Their stories deserve the same attention, outrage, and empathy.” 

CAIR-Chicago also endorses CAIR National’s statement, which can be found here.

CAIR-Chicago’s mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance. 

CONTACT: 
Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director, CAIR-Chicago, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com 
Hafsa Haider, Communications Coordinator, CAIR-Chicago, 561-317-7509, hhaider@cair.com