Elise Stefanik Slams Tim Walz for Ties to Anti-Israel Leader

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik criticized Democratic vice-presidential nominee and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for his association with Hatem Bazian, a controversial figure known for his anti-Israel stance. Walz's appearance with Bazian at a 2019 event has reignited concerns about anti-Semitic elements within certain political circles.

Walz was photographed alongside Bazian at a Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) event in March 2019 focused on “Challenging Islamophobia” at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. Hatem Bazian is the founder of National Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a group known for its anti-Israel activities and for allegedly creating hostile environments for Jewish students on college campuses.

Stefanik’s Response:

• Condemnation of Walz: Congresswoman Stefanik condemned Walz for associating with Bazian, labeling him "The Most Dangerous Professor in America" and accusing him of propping up anti-Semitic figures. Stefanik remarked, "Kamala Harris and Tim Walz is the most radical anti-Semitic ticket in history."

• Background on Bazian: Bazian also founded the American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), which is under investigation in Virginia for alleged ties to terrorist financing. Both SJP and AMP were implicated in a federal lawsuit, accused of supporting Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, through their activities as "collaborators" and "propagandists."

• CAIR and SJP's History: CAIR and SJP have long been criticized for their connections to anti-Israel rhetoric and actions. CAIR’s executive director, Nihad Awad, recently made headlines for celebrating a Hamas attack on Israel, stating his approval of "people breaking the siege" and challenging Israel’s right to self-defense.

Walz's controversial connections extend beyond Bazian. He faced scrutiny for hosting extremist Islamist Imam Asad Zaman multiple times, with Zaman having met with Walz’s office as recently as May 2023. Zaman has a history of sharing anti-Semitic content and Hamas press releases on social media. He is also the executive director of the Muslim American Society of Minnesota, which expressed "unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their struggle against the Israeli occupation."

• Zaman’s Influence: Zaman delivered the invocation at Walz’s 2019 state address and received over $100,000 in funding from Walz’s administration, further raising concerns about the governor's affiliations.

The controversy surrounding Walz highlights the ongoing political tensions over figures accused of anti-Semitism and their influence within political campaigns. As these issues continue to unfold, they underscore the importance of scrutinizing political alliances and their implications.

For more insights on this developing story and other election-related news, consider sharing this article or subscribing to our newsletter.