CAIR denounces Israeli ban on call to prayer, says move part of genocide against Palestinians

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group in the United States, has condemned Israel’s newly imposed ban on the Islamic call to prayer (adhan), describing it as an act of war against Islam.

The organization renewed its call for Muslim-majority nations to take concrete steps to halt what it describes as Israel’s genocide against Palestinians.

The ban, enacted by far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, allows police to prevent mosques from broadcasting the adhan, confiscate loudspeakers, and fine violators.

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Ben-Gvir defended the policy, claiming it addresses “unreasonable noise” from mosques, which he described as a “hazard” to residents.

In a statement, CAIR’s National Executive Director Nihad Awad linked the ban to a broader campaign targeting Palestinian culture and religion.

“A war on Islam and Christianity has always been a major component of the far-right Israeli government’s genocide targeting the Palestinian people. Attacks on mosques, churches, cultural sites, and religious texts are all part of the decades-long Israeli campaign to erase Palestinian culture.

“Unfortunately, the Biden administration has been complicit with this cultural erasure, systematic dehumanization and genocide. Through his actions and inaction, President Biden is enabling the suppression of religious liberties when that suppression targets Palestinians and Arabs.

“We repeat our call on Muslim-majority nations to use their collective power and take concrete actions to end this genocide.”

He reiterated CAIR’s call for Muslim-majority nations to leverage their power to end what he described as genocide.

CAIR has repeatedly highlighted incidents of desecration and destruction of Islamic sites by Israeli forces, including the burning of Qurans, the demolition of mosques, and the targeting of Palestinian religious practices.

The group has also called on the Biden administration to end weapons transfers to Israel and investigate reported U.S. involvement in these acts.

CAIR’s mission centres on defending civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims while advocating for international accountability in the face of systemic oppression.