CAIR-LA, MPAC, and Shura Council Address Problematic Social Media Posts
Los Angeles, CA: The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA), along with the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) and the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, January 19 addressed social media posts from Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers that reportedly express support for Israel’s current violence and indiscriminate bombing of Gaza.
Recent photos posted by an account allegedly belonging to a member of the LAPD show the individual at an Israeli military facility posing next to military equipment and a bomb with the words “Happy Minyan, enjoy the fireworks” written on it alongside a heart. This photo is the latest in a series of concerning social media posts from members of the LAPD command staff that align themselves with and express support for Israel.
Reports also suggest that LAPD officers may have participated in training programs in Israel with the Israeli military, which raises questions on the nature of the training and tactics LAPD officers may incorporate, given current and past documented human rights violations by Israel.
Earlier this week, MPAC sent a joint letter, signed by CAIR-LA and Shura Council, to the LAPD Board of Police Commissioners outlining the concerns about LAPD training in Israel and the potential implications such training may have for the human rights of the civilian population in Palestine and the impact on policing practices in Los Angeles. The LAPD Board of Commissioners provided a response , stating it will initiate an investigation into the issues outlined in the letter. – CAIR-LA, Shura Council
