Controversial CAIR Director's Disturbing Remarks on Oct. 7 Attacks and Israel's Right to Self-Defense

Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), expressed his happiness at witnessing the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel during a convention for Palestine. He claimed that the people of Gaza have the right to self-defense, while Israel, as an occupying power, does not. Awad also accused the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) of controlling the U.S. government. He praised younger Democrats who are dissatisfied with President Biden's support of Israel. CAIR did not respond to requests for clarification on their stance on Israeli response or a two-state solution.