“US Holocaust Memorial Council Member Describes Gazans as ‘Fundamentally Evil'”
**Calls for Accountability: CAIR Denounces Offensive Remarks by U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council Member**
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the United States, is demanding the removal of Martin Oliner, a Trump-appointed member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, following a series of controversial and inflammatory statements. Oliner, in a February 1 opinion piece published in the *Jerusalem Post*, described Palestinians in Gaza as “fundamentally evil” and “collectively guilty” for the actions of Hamas, sparking widespread condemnation.
### Background on the Controversy
The editorial penned by Oliner, titled “Let Donald Trump Make Gaza Great Again,” went beyond condemning Hamas by targeting the entire population of Gaza, which numbers over two million people. He argued that Gazans must face collective punishment for Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023. Oliner went so far as to suggest the forced displacement of Palestinians to other countries, calling for international support for such actions. He also criticized physicians, journalists, and United Nations officials, whom he accused of propagating false narratives or failing to hold Hamas accountable.
The editorial comes amid a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel’s military actions in the region, characterized by the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch as acts consistent with genocide, have resulted in more than 60,000 deaths, according to recent reports. As international human rights organizations continue to highlight the dire situation, Oliner’s remarks have only added fuel to an already charged global debate.
### The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council and its Role
The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council was created by Congress in 1980 to oversee Holocaust remembrance efforts, including the governance of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. The council includes both voting and non-voting members, with 55 individuals appointed by the president for five-year terms. Among its responsibilities are organizing the nation’s observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day and safeguarding collective memory of genocide to prevent its recurrence.
Oliner, who has served on the council since his appointment by then-President Donald Trump in December 2020, is the son of Holocaust survivors and has been active in various pro-Israel advocacy roles. He currently serves as chairman of the Religious Zionists of America and president of the Culture for Peace Institute. However, CAIR and other critics argue that his recent rhetoric undermines the principles and moral authority of the council.
### CAIR’s Response
CAIR has called for Oliner’s immediate removal from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, describing his remarks as “racist and hate-filled.” In a public statement, the organization said, “It is unacceptable for anyone who believes that all children and everyone else in a population are ‘fundamentally evil’ and unworthy of mercy to hold a position with any organization, whether a private or public entity.” CAIR emphasized that such rhetoric perpetuates the dehumanization that leads to crimes against humanity.
The group also linked Oliner’s language to ongoing atrocities in Gaza, accusing him of supporting policies that constitute genocide. By endorsing collective punishment and dismissing the humanity of Gaza’s residents, they added, Oliner is directly opposing the values enshrined in the Holocaust Memorial Council’s mission to combat hatred and honor the memory of genocide victims.
### Broader Implications
Oliner’s rhetoric also highlights a broader issue regarding the politicization of institutions meant to promote human rights and historical memory. As the Holocaust Memorial Council plays a pivotal role in educating Americans about the Holocaust and the consequences of unchecked hatred, critics worry that members espousing incendiary views risk eroding its credibility.
CAIR’s call for accountability extends beyond Oliner and touches on the responsibility of public officials and institutions to uphold values of equality, justice, and compassion. When individuals who hold influential positions spread dehumanizing stereotypes or advocate for collective punishment, it undermines the principles these organizations were established to protect.
### Silence from Key Stakeholders
As of now, Martin Oliner, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, and the *Jerusalem Post* have not responded to requests for comment. Their silence has only intensified demands for action from organizations and advocates seeking accountability.
### A Broader Context of Tensions and Allegations
This controversy arises within a larger geopolitical and domestic context. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long been one of the most contentious issues in international politics, and recent events have further polarized opinions. At the same time, within the United States, public officials’ alignment on matters related to Israel and Palestine often intersects with broader political identities and interests.
Former President Trump, who appointed Oliner to the council, has made staunch pro-Israel policies a cornerstone of his platform, freezing foreign aid for all nations except Israel and Egypt during his presidency. Proponents of Trump’s approach, including Oliner, have praised his uncompromising