Univision chairman Haim Saban took issue with Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison’s bid to lead the Democratic National Committee, calling him an “anti-Semitic and anti-Israel person,” Friday night at the 13th annual Saban Forum, the Times of Israel reports.
Saban, a major Democratic fundraiser, interjected during a Q&A session at the event when CNN’s Jake Tapper asked Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman to comment on the Anti-Defamation League “disqualifying” Ellison for the DNC opening.
“The fact that Keith Ellison is a Muslim is a non-issue,” Saban chimed in. “If you listen to Keith Ellison today and you see his statements, he’s more of a Zionist than Herzl, Ben-Gurion, and Begin combined. It’s amazing. It’s a beautiful thing. If you go back to his positions, his papers, his speeches, the way he has voted, he is clearly an anti-Semite, anti-Israel individual.
“Words matter and actions matter more. Keith Ellison would be a disaster for the relationship between the Jewish community and the Democratic Party.”
In November 2015, Saban, an Egyptian-born Israeli, said that the U.S. should step up its scrutiny of Muslims in the wake of the deadly ISIS attacks in Paris.
“I’m not suggesting we put Muslims through some kind of a torture room to get them to admit that they are or they’re not terrorists,” he told TheWrap. “But I am saying we should have more scrutiny.”
15 Stars You Probably Didn't Know Were Muslim (Photos)
Friday, May 26 marked the start of Ramadan, a month of fasting in the Islamic religion to mark the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. Here are 15 celebrities you might not have known were Muslim.
Zayn Malik The former One Direction singer hasn't been too vocal about his religion. He garnered a worldwide trending topic #respectforZayn when Bill Maher compared him to the Boston Marathon bomber.
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Ice Cube The former N.W.A rapper has said, "What I call myself is a natural Muslim, because it’s just me and God. You know, going to the mosque, the ritual and the tradition, it’s just not in me to do. So I don’t do it."
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Ellen Burstyn Burstyn was raised Catholic and then began her journey to Islam by practicing Sufi Islam. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore."
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Mehmet Oz Better known as Dr. Oz, the TV personality hosts a talk show that discusses popular health concerns. Oz was named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in 2009 by The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, a leading Muslim group.
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Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid The Somali supermodel (and widow of the late David Bowie) most commonly known as Iman is Muslim. Her name means "faith" in Arabic. She's said she considers herself Muslim even though she doesn't practice.
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DJ Khaled In an interview with Larry King, Khaled described himself as a Muslim and then said "I practice it, but I could do a better job.”
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Aasif Mandvi The actor-comedian, best known as a former correspondent on "The Daily Show," has openly criticized the fact that he has to spend so much time defending his religion instead of engaging in open dialogue about it: "I have a complicated relationship with my own faith."
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Lupe Fiasco The Chicago native isn't one to be quiet about his beliefs, but the fact that he's Muslim is something many might not be aware of. In an interview with Katie Couric in 2014, he addressed the struggles of being Muslim while in the entertainment industry.
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Mike Tyson Muhammad Ali wasn't the only boxer who is Muslim. In an interview with Fox News, Tyson says "I'm very grateful to be a Muslim." He has also said "Praise be to Allah," in an interview following a fight.
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Dave Chappelle One of the most well-known comedians, Chappelle told Time Magazine in 2005, "I don't normally talk about my religion publicly because I don't want people to associate me and my flaws with this beautiful thing. And I believe it is a beautiful religion if you learn it the right way."
Fareed Zakaria The host of CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS" says he is neither a practicing Muslim nor is he very religious, but he self-identifies as Muslim nonetheless.
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Zinedane Zidane The legendary soccer star most known for exiting his career with an infamous headbutt heard around the world, is Muslim.
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Busta Rhymes The Grammy-nominated artist is probably best known for rapping a mile a minute on some tracks. He has stated "I live my life by Islam and at the end of the day I think that's pretty much what grounds me."
Cat Stevens Better known now as Yusuf Islam, converted to Islam in the 1970s. Islam went on a pretty long musical hiatus after his conversion.
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Omar Sy The French actor, best known for his role as Bishop in "X-Men: Days of Future Past," is Muslim. He was also listed in the World's 500 Most Influential Muslims publication in 2016.
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A pop star, an Oscar winner and several rappers all identify with the religion
Friday, May 26 marked the start of Ramadan, a month of fasting in the Islamic religion to mark the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. Here are 15 celebrities you might not have known were Muslim.