White House recruits professor linked to anti-Israel university amidst anti-Semitism controversy.
The White House’s Controversial New Hire
The White House’s newest hire is causing quite a stir. Ramzi Kassem, a professor at City University of New York (CUNY), has been appointed as a senior policy adviser for immigration in the White House’s Domestic Policy Council. However, Kassem’s past statements accusing Israel of “ethnic cleansing” and “systematic genocide” have raised concerns among those worried about the Biden administration’s handling of anti-Semitism on college campuses.
A History of Controversial Views
Kassem, during his time as an undergrad at Columbia University, wrote scathing criticisms of Israel, according to a review by the Washington Free Beacon. He has also defended terrorists held at Guantanamo Bay and accused the Jewish state of genocide, while condemning “unconditional” support for Israel.
This hiring comes at a time when the Biden administration is already facing criticism for its perceived lack of support for Israel. A recent White House plan on combating anti-Semitism was watered down by anti-Israel activists, and the State Department has admitted to boycotting research partnerships with certain Israeli organizations.
CUNY, where Kassem has worked for over a decade, has faced its own share of controversy regarding anti-Semitism. The university has been accused of promoting hate speech and subjecting Jewish students to harassment. Its law school has even promoted anti-Semitic boycotts against Israel.
A Troubling Past
Kassem’s past writings reveal a consistent anti-Israel stance. In articles from 1998, he accused Israel of “systematic genocide” and “ethnic cleansing.” He also claimed that European Jews came to the Middle East with the intention of conquering the land and argued against a two-state solution.
Furthermore, Kassem has advocated for the “right of return” for Palestinians, a policy that would erase Israel’s Jewish majority. He has criticized U.S. support for Israel, claiming that lobbying groups have allowed an “ethnocracy” to flourish.
Pro-Israel advocates are concerned about Kassem’s role in the White House, especially considering the Biden administration’s actions against the current Israeli government. They argue that appointing someone with such offensive views sends a dangerous message.
Additional Controversies
In addition to his anti-Israel advocacy, Kassem has downplayed the impact of the 9/11 terror attacks, suggesting that the attackers were not driven by evil but by political grievances. He has also been involved in freeing accused terrorists from prison and heads a legal advocacy group at CUNY that focuses on allegations of unjust surveillance.
The White House and Kassem have not responded to requests for comment at this time.
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