A Preacher with a Controversial Platform
Imam Omar Tawil, based at the Tempe Mosque in Phoenix, Arizona, presents himself as a proud American, claiming to be “just as American as anyone else.” But beneath this self-portrayal lies a disturbing pattern of radical views and open support for extremist organizations. Tawil has consistently used his social media presence, particularly his account on X (@OTawil89), to spread antisemitic rhetoric and endorse terrorist groups such as Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.
His posts celebrate Hamas militants and refer to them as “the resistance,” while describing innocent Israeli hostages as “settler prisoners.” These are not isolated statements—they reflect a consistent ideological stance that aligns with violent extremism. Despite this, Tawil continues to live freely within the United States, leading a mosque, influencing students, and claiming to represent moderate Islam.
Ties to Terror-Linked Organizations
Omar Tawil’s connections raise further red flags. He has documented ties to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an organization that has been accused by numerous sources—including U.S. government officials—of having past links to Hamas. While CAIR continues to operate legally in the U.S., its documented history with groups designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. government, such as Hamas, cannot be overlooked.
Tawil’s association with CAIR, paired with his own extremist public statements, paints a troubling picture. He portrays these affiliations as part of his advocacy for Muslim Americans, but his alignment with violent ideologies betrays the principles of peace, tolerance, and democracy that America stands for.
A Threat from Within?
While Tawil may enjoy the freedoms that come with American citizenship, he is actively working to erode the values that those freedoms are built upon. His radical Islamist rhetoric, spread through his religious role at the mosque and his outreach at universities, risks influencing impressionable minds. This is not just about speech—it’s about the cultivation of extremist ideology within American institutions.
His presence in religious and academic circles gives him a platform to legitimize ideas that are fundamentally incompatible with Western democratic values. Whether through subtle messaging or outright glorification of terrorism, Tawil is not simply exercising free speech—he’s promoting a worldview that undermines the safety and unity of the American people.
In conclusion, Imam Omar Tawil is not the “average American” he claims to be. His open support for terrorism, antisemitic propaganda, and affiliations with extremist networks make him a threat that cannot be ignored. While the U.S. upholds religious and political freedom, it must also remain vigilant against those who abuse these liberties to spread hate and division from within.