Tyler Muslim, lifelong Republican grapples with anti-Muslim rhetoric within his party

July 31, 2024 Ali Salman

Anwar Khalifa of East Texas Islamic Society speaks at an event honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Wednesday April 4, 2018 at Greater New Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Tyler. King was assassinated April 4, 1968 at 6:01 p.m. at a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee.

A Tyler community leader recently was profiled in a Buzzfeed News article about Muslim Republicans struggling to come to terms with Islamophobia in their political party.

Anwar Khalifa, owner of Pyramid Homes, and a longtime member of the Smith County Republican Party, discussed his struggle to back candidates who have expressed anti-Muslim sentiments.

Khalifa also discussed how he has been able to assuage fears and temper rhetoric, thanks to his standing in the community.

While he is reluctant to back certain candidates, Khalifa told Buzzfeed the GOP is still his party and he’s going to stay and fight.

Read the full article here.