Shabbir Rizvi Sparks Outrage
Chicago, IL – Shabbir Rizvi, organizer of the Anti-War Committee Chicago, faces scrutiny for teaching activists to chant “Death to Israel” and “Death to America” in Farsi during a recent gathering. Rizvi has a history of expressing anti-Israel and pro-Iran views.
Event Details
The chants were captured on video during a breakout session of an event where 300 activists assembled to plan protests against the Democratic National Convention in August. The crowd reportedly erupted in applause hours later when an activist announced that Iran had attacked Israel with drones and missiles.
Background of Rizvi
Rizvi is a former contributor to Iran’s Press TV and Al Mayadeen, outlets linked to Iran and Hezbollah. David Daoud, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, described Press TV as an “Iranian mouthpiece” and Al Mayadeen as “at times … virtually indistinguishable from Al-Manar,” a Hezbollah-owned outlet.
Concerns About Rizvi’s Ideology
Daoud expressed concern over Rizvi’s pro-terror bias, citing his Press TV writing that downplayed the severity of Hamas’s deadly incursion into Israel in October 2023. Daoud also noted that Rizvi’s writings portray Hezbollah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as “resistance” actors who “gain legitimacy” while seeking Israel’s annihilation.
Rise in Antisemitism**
Rizvi’s anti-Israel rhetoric comes amid a surge in antisemitism in Illinois and across the country. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a 74% increase in antisemitic incidents in Illinois between 2022 and 2023.
Protests Planned for DNC**
The assembly in Chicago was part of a broader effort to protest against Israel at the Democratic National Convention. Protesters are demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and accusing President Biden of inaction. The city of Chicago is reviewing a permit request from protesters to march closer to the convention.
Conclusion
Shabbir Rizvi’s anti-Israel and anti-American chants have reignited concerns about the spread of hate speech and the escalation of tensions between the Middle East and the West. The rise in antisemitism in Illinois underscores the need for vigilance against all forms of intolerance and discrimination.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
