CAIR's San Francisco Chair Zahra Billoo Thinks that Hamas Deserves a Nobel Peace Prize
Zahra Billoo's long history of antisemitism and support for terrorism
Zahra Billoo, the chair of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA), has a long and well-documented history of making anti-Semitic remarks and defending terrorist organizations. Most recently, Billoo reposted an X post that shockingly claimed, “Hamas deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for keeping Israeli prisoners safe from indiscriminate Israeli carpet bombing.” Her social media activity and public statements reveal a pattern of extremist rhetoric that glorifies Hamas, Hezbollah, and other militant groups, while spreading hateful and dangerous narratives about Jews and Israel.
Praising Hamas and Glorifying Terrorism
Billoo has also openly praised Hamas’ October 7th assault, in which Hamas terrorists murdered over 1,200 people, including women and children, and kidnapped more than 200 others. She described the brutal massacre as “decolonization” in a Facebook post, echoing rhetoric used by terrorist apologists who justify mass murder as an act of resistance.
Furthermore, she has honored former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, stating, “Tonight, we mourn Ismail himself but know his martyrdom is not in vain. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” This phrase, commonly chanted by anti-Israel extremists, calls for the destruction of Israel and the eradication of its Jewish population.
A History of Anti-Semitic Rhetoric
Billoo’s history of anti-Semitic comments stretches back over a decade. Some of her most egregious statements include statements comparing Israel to Nazi Germany, falsely accusing pro-Israel groups of dual loyalty, and spreading anti-Jewish conspiracy theories. In 2010, she claimed there was no need for a Holocaust museum because Israel was recreating it, and in 2014, she analogized Israel's self-defense against Palestinian terror attacks to Nazi Germany suppressing a Jewish uprising. That same year, she promoted an article accusing Jewish groups of controlling U.S. politics.
Defending Hamas and Hezbollah
Billoo has frequently framed Hamas and Hezbollah—both U.S.-designated terrorist organizations—as legitimate resistance movements. During Israel’s Operation Protective Edge in 2014, she blamed Israel rather than Hamas for the conflict, comparing it to a woman striking her rapist. She has also praised Hezbollah for attacking Israel and falsely claimed that Hamas was a democratically elected government, ignoring the violent takeover of Gaza in 2007 that led to the persecution of political opponents.
Supporting Terror Financiers and Intifada Violence
Billoo has also defended individuals and organizations involved in financing terrorism. She falsely claimed that the Holy Land Foundation, an Islamic charity shut down for funneling millions to Hamas, never funded terrorism. In 2014, she tweeted “Long live the intifada,” endorsing the violent Palestinian uprisings that have killed thousands of Israelis through suicide bombings, shootings, and stabbings.
Whitewashing Violent Activism
Billoo has also defended violent anti-Israel activists, such as those aboard the Mavi Marmara, a ship in the 2010 Freedom Flotilla. When Israeli security forces boarded the vessel, its activists violently attacked them with metal rods, knives, and stun grenades. Despite this, Billoo portrayed the flotilla members as innocent activists, and referred to the Israeli security forces as “terrorists.”
Billoo has also defended violent anti-Israel activists, such as those aboard the Mavi Marmara, a ship in the 2010 Freedom Flotilla. When Israeli security forces boarded the vessel, its activists violently attacked them with metal rods, knives, and stun grenades. Despite this, Billoo portrayed the flotilla members as innocent activists, ignoring a UN report confirming that they provoked the violence and carried no humanitarian aid, only weapons.