NYC Built A Government-Backed Staffing Pipeline For CAIR’s New York Chapter

New York City has utilized AmeriCorps funding to support the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which is controversial due to its alleged connections to radical organizations. Documents reveal that full-time AmeriCorps members have played a significant role in building CAIR-NY’s operations, despite warnings and restrictions from federal authorities.

Use of AmeriCorps: The NYC Civic Corps program has been employed to staff CAIR-NY. A full-time member managed volunteers, data, marketing, and outreach initiatives, particularly focusing on school and mosque engagement.

Praise from NYC Service: The city agency commended this member for organizing substantial community outreach and promoting initiatives against Islamophobia.

Historical Context: CAIR was named as a co-conspirator in a federal case against the Holy Land Foundation, which was linked to Hamas. Despite this, the NYC Civic Corps continues to support CAIR-NY.

FBI Restrictions: The FBI has limited its outreach to CAIR due to links between CAIR leaders and Hamas. These restrictions also apply to local chapters, including CAIR-NY, yet the city has sustained a working relationship with the organization.

State Actions: In a further step, Texas labeled CAIR a "Foreign Terrorist Organization" under state law, but this designation does not carry federal weight.

Civic Corps Benefits: Members of the NYC Civic Corps are provided various benefits, including a stipend of $24,500, an education award, healthcare, and professional training opportunities.

Operational Support: In addition to administrative support, Civic Corps members significantly expanded CAIR-NY’s volunteer base, outperforming the organization's existing team size.

Despite the controversial background of CAIR, New York City continues to invest taxpayer resources in supporting its New York chapter through AmeriCorps. This decision has sparked debate about the city’s priorities and its implications for national service initiatives involving organizations perceived as radical. 

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