US Senator to Arab American advocate: ‘You support Hamas, don’t you?’

A heated exchange took place during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday, when Republican Senator Ted Cruz (Texas) questioned the patriotism of Arab American Institute (AAI) board member James Zogby.

The exchange began when Cruz asked Zogby if he supported the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to pressure Israel to end its occupation of the Palestinian territories.

Zogby replied that he did not support BDS, but that he believed in the right of individuals to engage in nonviolent protest. Cruz then pressed Zogby on his support for the AAI, which has been accused of supporting Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist group.

Zogby denied the accusation, saying that the AAI does not support Hamas and that he personally condemns terrorism. Cruz, however, was not satisfied with Zogby's answer and continued to press him on the issue.

The exchange became increasingly heated, with Cruz accusing Zogby of being a "Hamas apologist." Zogby defended himself, saying that he was a loyal American who was committed to fighting terrorism.

The exchange between Cruz and Zogby highlights the growing tensions between the Republican Party and Arab American groups. In recent years, Republicans have increasingly accused Arab American groups of supporting terrorismo and of being disloyal to the United States.

These accusations have been met with anger and frustration by Arab American groups, who say that they are being unfairly targeted. The exchange between Cruz and Zogby is likely to further inflame tensions between the two sides.