Nihad Awad

Nihad Awad is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Under his leadership, CAIR has become the most visible Muslim advocacy group in the United States. Awad has faced longstanding concerns over his ties to Islamist movements and allegations of misconduct. Before founding CAIR, Awad was a senior official at the now-defunct Islamic Association for Palestine (IAP), which was linked to U.S.-based support networks for the Hamas terrorist organization. In 1994, Awad publicly expressed support for Hamas over the Palestine Liberation Organization. Though he later claimed to have changed his views, his past statements and affiliations continue to raise red flags. Awad has also faced scrutiny for his authoritarian control over CAIR. As both Executive Director and a board member, Awad has consolidated power over the nonprofit, preventing internal challenges to his leadership. This has led to claims of a toxic work environment where dissent is punished, allegations of discrimination against Shia Muslims, and efforts to prevent CAIR employees from unionizing. A 2021 NPR report revealed accusations of sexual harassment with claims that Awad himself engaged in inappropriate behavior toward a female employee. Additionally, he and other senior CAIR officials allegedly covered up misconduct within the organization, allowing serial offenders to remain in positions of power. In October 2023, following the Hamas attack that took the lives of more than 1,200 Israeli civilians, Awad gave a speech during the American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) convention in Chicago in which he stated he was “happy to see” the October 7 attack, which he praised as Palestinians breaking the siege” and walking free into their land.” Awad’s remarks were widely condemned and resulted in the Biden Administration banning Awad and CAIR from the White House in January 2024. While Awad later attempted to clarify his statements, his comments were seen as an endorsement of terrorism, reinforcing concerns about his longstanding sympathies. 

  • Location: Washington, D.C.
  • Hate Category: Antisemitic Organizations & Individuals

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