The Philadelphia branch of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is offering to conduct seminars for teachers and provide guidance on “inclusive schools” to school districts. And there are reports some Philadelphia schools are taking them up on the offer.
One offering is a workshop on “American Jews and Political Power: Myth or Reality.”
The description says it will discuss Jewish organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and examine the so-called “heated debate” about “Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands” and about “Jewish activists who are part of the BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) campaign against Israel.”
CAIR posted on Instagram: “Are you ready for the school year? CAIR Philadelphia is dedicated to working with students, parents, educators, and administration to ensure that students feel seen, safe, and supported. Check out our resources at pa.cair.com/education!”
CAIR added, “Invite the CAIR Philly staff for a training to educators and staff on cultural competency, anti-bullying, and inclusive practices. Customizable trainings: If your classroom or school has specific needs, we can adapt workshops to fit your students/staff.”
Jacob Bender, a former director of CAIR-Philadelphia, presents that workshop. Bender also served on Philadelphia School District Superintendent Tony Watlington’s transition team as part of the “anti-racist culture” subcommittee, K-12 Extremism Tracker reported.
“We find it deeply troubling that CAIR Philadelphia has posted on its website a training on ‘American Jews Political Power: Myth or Reality,’” said a spokesman for ADL Philadelphia. “This framing perpetuates one of history’s most dangerous and persistent antisemitic tropes—the notion of secretive Jewish power controlling world events and leaders.
“The very premise of discussing ‘Jewish political power’ as a distinct phenomenon is antisemitic. The singling out of Jewish advocacy activity for special scrutiny echoes centuries of harmful conspiracy theories. We hope that school districts and all individuals will reject this type of hate.”
CAIR has a long history of allegations of involvement with Islamist extremism and even terrorism, including being named an “unindicted co-conspirator” in a high-profile terror-funding trial.
In 2008, federal prosecutors secured convictions against five leaders of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development (HLF), which at the time had been the largest Islamic charity in the United States. The trial revealed that HLF had funneled more than $12 million in material support to Hamas.
During the trial, prosecutors introduced evidence showing the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) had historical ties to individuals and organizations connected with the Muslim Brotherhood’s Palestine Committee.
And in 2023, the Biden White House disavowed CAIR after its national executive director, Nihad Awad, celebrated the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel.
Awad described the attack, which left 1,200 dead and more than 200 taken hostage, as an act of self-defense.
“The people of Gaza only decided to break the siege, the walls of the concentration camp… And yes, I was happy to see people breaking the siege and throwing down the shackles of their own land,” Awad said.
When DVJournal asked the Philadelphia school district about reports of cooperation with CAIR, Christina Clark, declined to respond. But the district told the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia that “there is no partnership with outside groups of concern.”
But that’s not enough, says Jason Holtzman, chief of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
“The larger issue remains: the district has yet to take meaningful, public steps to ensure Jewish students are protected and to hold accountable staff who promote violence or extremist views. Inaction in the face of such conduct creates a hostile environment for Jewish students and teachers.
“We urge the district to act decisively to uphold its responsibility to provide a safe, respectful learning environment for every student, including its Jewish community.”