In a disturbing reminder of the rising anti-Arab sentiment across the United States, local Palestinian American organizer and activist Nadia Rahman recently experienced a hate incident on the steps of San Francisco’s City Hall. Rahman was on her way to speak to the Board of Supervisors about the urgent need to recognize Arab American Heritage Month and address the growing tide of anti-Arab hate.
According to Rahman, an older woman verbally attacked her as she ascended the City Hall steps, insulting her traditional keffiyeh scarf — a cultural symbol of Palestinian identity — by calling it “trash” and telling her to “go back to your country.” Rahman had been preparing to deliver public remarks emphasizing the spike in anti-Arab discrimination, fueled in part by the U.S.-backed Israeli military actions in Gaza.
Without hesitation, Rahman reported the incident to multiple authorities, including the Mayor’s office, her district Supervisor Connie Chan, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Arab Resource and Organizing Center (AROC), the California Civil Rights Department, and the City Hall Sheriff’s Department.
In her official communication to Supervisor Chan and Mayor Lurie’s administration, Rahman urged for immediate public action, stressing that the attack was not an isolated event but part of a larger pattern of hate incidents targeting the Arab and Palestinian American communities.
A Pattern of Rising Anti-Arab Hate in San Francisco
Rahman highlighted additional incidents involving Palestinian American residents throughout the city. She shared recent reports, including:
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A District 8 resident facing a series of hate incidents due to displaying a Palestinian flag outside her home.
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A District 1 resident and her partner being verbally harassed inside a Jack in the Box restaurant because the partner wore a keffiyeh.
These events, Rahman argued, reflect the increasing dangers that Arab Americans face simply for expressing their cultural identity.
Calls for Official Public Condemnation
Following her experience, Rahman issued a strong appeal to San Francisco’s elected officials: to publicly and explicitly denounce both anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian racism.
“The Arab American community needs visible, vocal support from its leaders,” Rahman said. “Public condemnation of anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian hate is critical to make our community feel seen, protected, and empowered to report future incidents.”
Rahman also pointed out that many hate crimes against Arab and Muslim communities go unreported, making it crucial for officials to encourage documentation and intervention through visible solidarity and policy action.
A Community Demanding Recognition and Protection
Arab American activists emphasize that public support during this time is not only symbolic but necessary to counter the invisibility and marginalization they experience. As violence escalates globally, local communities are feeling the pressure at home, and advocates like Nadia Rahman are leading the call for justice, dignity, and protection for Arab Americans in San Francisco and beyond.