Confronting Hate: CAIR-LA’s Legal Director Amr Shabaik on CAIR-LA’s Advocacy

Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen

Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project

Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/09/24

In conversation with Scott Douglas Jacobsen, CAIR-LA’s Legal Director Amr Shabaik highlights the rise of hate crimes across Los Angeles, with CAIR-LA’s internal reports far exceeding state figures due to chronic underreporting. El-Kadi emphasizes collaboration with Jewish and interfaith partners, underscoring solidarity against antisemitism, Islamophobia, and broader intolerance. She advises victims to document and report incidents to both law enforcement and advocacy organizations, while urging city officials and prosecutors to prioritize anti-hate initiatives. Programs like ICUJP and CLUE offer vital community support and training.

Scott Douglas Jacobsen: What specific updates, if any, have you received from the LAPD regarding this incident of the neo-Nazis?

Amr Shabaik: We have not received updates from the LAPD regarding this incident.  

Jacobsen: Any indications that the recent antisemitic graffiti incidents in Encino are connected?

Shabaik: We are not aware of any evidence or confirmation that the other antisemitic incidents in Encino have any connection to the graffiti targeting Mitzvahland. 

Jacobsen: How is CAIR-LA supporting the targeted business? 

Shabaik: CAIR-LA has not been in direct communication or contact with the business. However, it is imperative that we call out acts of hate whether it targets Muslims, Palestinians, Jews, or anyone else, because silence normalizes intolerance. When a Jewish store is defaced with Nazi symbols, it is an attack on our shared sense of community and humanity. Our organization is dedicated to fighting hate and intolerance in all its forms.

Jacobsen: What about engaging with local Jewish community leaders?

Shabaik: Our work necessitates that we collaborate with a diverse group of partners and organizations on a variety of issues who align on calling out and addressing hate wherever it occurs. Whether that is working with Jewish community leaders to address and stop the ongoing genocide in Gaza or working with interfaith partners to address the increasing attacks on immigrant communities, CAIR-LA works closely with a diverse set of interfaith and community-based organizations.

Jacobsen: What steps are recommended for residents and businesses to report hate incidents?

Shabaik: When an individual or business experiences a hate crime or hate incident, it’s critical to safely and thoroughly document the situation and report it immediately. 

Before filing a report, individuals should take photos and videos, if it is safe to do so, and make a note of what happened, including the date, time, location, and any individuals involved. 

In addition to reporting to law enforcement, they should contact local organizations, such as CAIR-LA, that respond to hate crimes and provide advocacy and legal services. Even if legal action is not necessary, reporting all hate crimes and incidents helps organizations like CAIR-LA build an accurate picture of the harm communities are facing, which in turn allows us to better advocate for their needs and provide urgently needed services.  

To report an incident to CAIR-LA, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 (ext. 2) or submit an intake form at ca.cair.com/losangeles/report-hate-discrimination

Jacobsen: What actions from city officials and prosecutors ensure accountability?

Shabaik: City and county officials must ensure adequate commitment and funding for anti-hate work, victim resources, and adequate city and county reporting mechanisms. City and county officials must also publicly condemn and address incidents of hate. Prosecutors must ensure resources are dedicated to addressing and prosecuting hate and ensuring that victims receive adequate support. Unfortunately, we have received many intakes from victims of hate who felt that either law enforcement or the prosecutor’s office did not take their concerns seriously or provide adequate follow up or resources to them.

Jacobsen: Is there a trend in hate incidents in Greater Los Angeles?

Shabaik: Hate crimes and hate incidents are on the rise throughout the Greater Los Angeles area and nationwide. CAIR-LA has seen an alarming increase in targeted violence, intimidation, doxing, and employment retaliation against Muslim and Arab communities—especially those speaking in support of Palestinian human rights.

The California Attorney General’s office recently released its annual report compiling hate crimes reported to law enforcement agencies, revealing that overall hate crime events in California rose by 2.7% from 2023 to 2024. CAIR-LA’s internal reporting shows a much higher increase in hate crimes and hate incidents reported to us from the community over the past several years. In 2022, our office received approximately 19 such reports, in 2023 we received 92 such reports, and in 2024 we received 109 such reports.

The discrepancy between the lower percentage reported by the AG’s office of hate crimes and our own numbers is due to the fact that hate is chronically underreported, especially among Muslim and immigrant communities—meaning the number of hate incidents and crimes is likely much higher than what is released in official reports. Systemic gaps in data collection, cultural stigma, concerns about immigration status, distrust of law enforcement, and fear of retaliation significantly contribute to the large gap between what communities are experiencing and the data released by law enforcement.

Jacobsen: What interfaith or community programs does CAIR-LA recommend?

Shabaik: 

Jacobsen: What about engaging with local Jewish community leaders?

Shabaik: Our work necessitates that we collaborate with a diverse group of partners and organizations on a variety of issues who align on calling out and addressing hate wherever it occurs. Whether that is working with Jewish community leaders to address and stop the ongoing genocide in Gaza or working with interfaith partners to address the increasing attacks on immigrant communities, CAIR-LA works closely with a diverse set of interfaith and community-based organizations.

Jacobsen: What steps are recommended for residents and businesses to report hate incidents?

Shabaik: When an individual or business experiences a hate crime or hate incident, it’s critical to safely and thoroughly document the situation and report it immediately.

Before filing a report, individuals should take photos and videos, if it is safe to do so, and make a note of what happened, including the date, time, location, and any individuals involved.

In addition to reporting to law enforcement, they should contact local organizations, such as CAIR-LA, that respond to hate crimes and provide advocacy and legal services. Even if legal action is not necessary, reporting all hate crimes and incidents helps organizations like CAIR-LA build an accurate picture of the harm communities are facing, which in turn allows us to better advocate for their needs and provide urgently needed services.

To report an incident to CAIR-LA, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 (ext. 2) or submit an intake form at ca.cair.com/losangeles/report-hate-discrimination

Jacobsen: What actions from city officials and prosecutors ensure accountability?

Shabaik: City and county officials must ensure adequate commitment and funding for anti-hate work, victim resources, and adequate city and county reporting mechanisms. City and county officials must also publicly condemn and address incidents of hate. Prosecutors must ensure resources are dedicated to addressing and prosecuting hate and ensuring that victims receive adequate support. Unfortunately, we have received many intakes from victims of hate who felt that either law enforcement or the prosecutor’s office did not take their concerns seriously or provide adequate follow up or resources to them.

Jacobsen: Is there a trend in hate incidents in Greater Los Angeles?

Shabaik: Hate crimes and hate incidents are on the rise throughout the Greater Los Angeles area and nationwide. CAIR-LA has seen an alarming increase in targeted violence, intimidation, doxing, and employment retaliation against Muslim and Arab communities—especially those speaking in support of Palestinian human rights.

The California Attorney General’s office recently released its annual report compiling hate crimes reported to law enforcement agencies, revealing that overall hate crime events in California rose by 2.7% from 2023 to 2024. CAIR-LA’s internal reporting shows a much higher increase in hate crimes and hate incidents reported to us from the community over the past several years. In 2022, our office received approximately 19 such reports, in 2023 we received 92 such reports, and in 2024 we received 109 such reports.

The discrepancy between the lower percentage reported by the AG’s office of hate crimes and our own numbers is due to the fact that hate is chronically underreported, especially among Muslim and immigrant communities—meaning the number of hate incidents and crimes is likely much higher than what is released in official reports. Systemic gaps in data collection, cultural stigma, concerns about immigration status, distrust of law enforcement, and fear of retaliation significantly contribute to the large gap between what communities are experiencing and the data released by law enforcement.

Jacobsen: What interfaith or community programs does CAIR-LA recommend? What about engaging with local Jewish community leaders?

Shabaik: Our work necessitates that we collaborate with a diverse group of partners and organizations on a variety of issues who align on calling out and addressing hate wherever it occurs. Whether that is working with Jewish community leaders to address and stop the ongoing genocide in Gaza or working with interfaith partners to address the increasing attacks on immigrant communities, CAIR-LA works closely with a diverse set of interfaith and community-based organizations.

Jacobsen: What steps are recommended for residents and businesses to report hate incidents?

Shabaik: When an individual or business experiences a hate crime or hate incident, it’s critical to safely and thoroughly document the situation and report it immediately.

Before filing a report, individuals should take photos and videos, if it is safe to do so, and make a note of what happened, including the date, time, location, and any individuals involved.

In addition to reporting to law enforcement, they should contact local organizations, such as CAIR-LA, that respond to hate crimes and provide advocacy and legal services. Even if legal action is not necessary, reporting all hate crimes and incidents helps organizations like CAIR-LA build an accurate picture of the harm communities are facing, which in turn allows us to better advocate for their needs and provide urgently needed services.

To report an incident to CAIR-LA, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 (ext. 2) or submit an intake form at ca.cair.com/losangeles/report-hate-discrimination

Jacobsen: What actions from city officials and prosecutors ensure accountability?

Shabaik: City and county officials must ensure adequate commitment and funding for anti-hate work, victim resources, and adequate city and county reporting mechanisms. City and county officials must also publicly condemn and address incidents of hate. Prosecutors must ensure resources are dedicated to addressing and prosecuting hate and ensuring that victims receive adequate support. Unfortunately, we have received many intakes from victims of hate who felt that either law enforcement or the prosecutor’s office did not take their concerns seriously or provide adequate follow up or resources to them.

Jacobsen: Is there a trend in hate incidents in Greater Los Angeles?

Shabaik: Hate crimes and hate incidents are on the rise throughout the Greater Los Angeles area and nationwide. CAIR-LA has seen an alarming increase in targeted violence, intimidation, doxing, and employment retaliation against Muslim and Arab communities—especially those speaking in support of Palestinian human rights.

The California Attorney General’s office recently released its annual report compiling hate crimes reported to law enforcement agencies, revealing that overall hate crime events in California rose by 2.7% from 2023 to 2024. CAIR-LA’s internal reporting shows a much higher increase in hate crimes and hate incidents reported to us from the community over the past several years. In 2022, our office received approximately 19 such reports, in 2023 we received 92 such reports, and in 2024 we received 109 such reports.

The discrepancy between the lower percentage reported by the AG’s office of hate crimes and our own numbers is due to the fact that hate is chronically underreported, especially among Muslim and immigrant communities—meaning the number of hate incidents and crimes is likely much higher than what is released in official reports. Systemic gaps in data collection, cultural stigma, concerns about immigration status, distrust of law enforcement, and fear of retaliation significantly contribute to the large gap between what communities are experiencing and the data released by law enforcement.

Jacobsen: What interfaith or community programs does CAIR-LA recommend?

Shabaik: We suggest connecting with Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace (ICUJP), which provides regular interfaith forums and dialogue on justice and peace. We also work closely with Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE), which educates, organizes, and mobilizes faith leaders and community members to accompany workers in their struggle for good jobs, dignity, and justice. In general, we recommend attending bystander intervention training, such as those offered by LA vs. Hate, to learn how to respond safely and effectively to hate incidents.

Jacobsen: Thank you for the opportunity and your time, Amr.

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