The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the alleged anti-Palestinian harassment of a medical student at a Merit Coffee location in San Antonio after he was targeted for wearing a small Palestinian flag pin on his backpack.

According to media reports, the student, Ayham Kiswani, was subjected to hostile comments by a customer who singled him out over his flag pin. Kiswani described the incident as humiliating and reflective of growing intolerance toward Palestinians and those who publicly identify with their heritage.

In a statement, CAIR-Texas said:

“No student, no customer, no member of our community should ever be harassed for peacefully expressing pride in their identity. This kind of targeted intimidation is unacceptable and runs contrary to the values of respect and inclusion that Texans hold dear. We call on Merit Coffee to review its policies to ensure customers are safe and protected, and we urge community members to report and denounce such incidents wherever they occur.

“The singling out of Palestinians in public spaces reflects a dangerous rise in anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab bigotry. We reaffirm our commitment to protecting the civil rights of all people, regardless of race, religion, or national origin.”

John T. Floyd, a board member of CAIR-Texas, also offered a personal reflection:

“As Texans, we pride ourselves on hospitality and decency. No one should feel fear or humiliation simply for carrying a symbol of their heritage. Our communities are strongest when we celebrate our diversity, not when we attack it. The diversity of Texas and of our communities is a strength that should be embraced and valued, not undermined.”

Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report “Unconstitutional Crackdowns,” which reveals that Islamophobia continues to be at an all-time high across the country. CAIR said viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases.  

CAIR encourages all communities of faith and conscience to stand in solidarity against bigotry, to foster understanding across differences, and to ensure that every Texan feels safe and respected in public spaces.

The shared mission of CAIR and CAIR-Texas is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

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CONTACT: Shaimaa Zayan, CAIR-Austin Office Director, szayan@cair.com, 512-785-7105; Rawan Harirah, Chair and President of CAIR Texas-Houston, rharirah@cair.com, 713-254-2016; John T. Floyd, Board Member, CAIR Texas-Houston, jfloyd@cair.com, 713-254-2016; Mustafaa Carroll, CAIR-DFW Executive Director, mcarroll@cair.com, 469-200-0273