BREAKING: CAIR-AZ Condemns Sheraton for “Caving to Racist Pressure” and Announces Relocation of Event with Rep. Rashida Tlaib
Civil rights group relocating event and considering legal action after hotel breaches contract
(Phoenix, AZ – 11/03/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations of Arizona (CAIR-AZ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced that the hotel scheduled to host CAIR Arizona’s annual banquet in Mesa, Arizona, has terminated their contract to the event due to alleged threats targeting the hotel, its staff, CAIR-AZ and American Muslims.
CAIR Arizona’s Banquet was set for Saturday Nov. 18, at the Sheraton Mesa Wrigleyville West. CAIR Arizona previously hosted their 2017 banquet there, even in the face of armed protestors outside, without incident. Sheraton unfortunately decided to treat this event differently.
[NOTE: CAIR-AZ plans to proceed with hosting the banquet at an alternate secure location with heightened security. The alternate location is yet to be secured and will be announced as soon as it is secured.]
According to the Sheraton, allegedly, anonymous threats have been made via phone, email, and text after a petition was circulated urging people to cancel the event, calling CAIR-AZ and Tlaib, “Nazis”. Sheraton caved into pressure. Sheraton did not provide any details on what was said. To date, no proof has been provided of any credible threats. CAIR-AZ has been in contact with law enforcement and notified them of the petition and terror threats that have circulated to mosques and Muslim organizations after Oct. 7. The Mesa PD confirmed that it is investigating the reported threats and ensured they will provide extra security.
The pressure came after Rashida Tlaib’s statements supporting the Palestinian community and a ceasefire along with other members in Congress. The irony is that threats of violence are being used against an organization peacefully calling to end a humanitarian crisis.
In a statement, CAIR-AZ Executive Director Azza Abuseif said:
“If threats were made, we condemn threats to our organization, the Sheraton and its staff. There is no room for this Islamophobic, Anti-Palestinian rhetoric, and we will persist in our quest for justice. We call on those who cherish free speech, human rights, and justice to back CAIR-AZ today, sending a message to extremists that they won’t silence us but rather strengthen our voices, God willing.”
SEE: Sheraton Mesa Hotel has canceled an event featuring Rep. Rashida Tlaib, group members say
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
