—IMMEDIATE RELEASE–
NEW YORK, NY (May 11, 2021) – We on behalf of the US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) write to you with heavy hearts during these final days of the holy month of Ramadan. Our Palestinian siblings have endured relentless violence at the hands of the Israeli occupation forces in the sacred site of Al-Aqsa for the past several days. As of writing this, 20 have reportedly been killed (including 9 children) and over 800 have been injured.
Hundreds of residents of the Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood are on the verge of expulsion from their homes, and armed settlers and Israeli soldiers are terrorizing the community and those in solidarity with them.
This is a time for all of us to stand together at this crucial moment and take a stand for Palestinian rights — especially here in the United States where our government finances Israel’s cruel military to the tune of $3.8 billion a year.
This ask is one of the most important we’ve ever had for you: can you please take just a few minutes to call your Representative today?
All you need to do is call (202) 225-3121 and you’ll be connected to your Representative’s office. Once you get a staff member on the line (or if you’re asked to leave a voice message), Mention your name, your address, and ask your Representative to do the following:
Join the Pocan-Newman letter: Representatives Marie Newman and Mark Pocan are leading an important letter to urge Secretary of State Tony Blinken and the Biden Administration to express their concern about Israel’s imminent plan to forcibly displace nearly 2,000 Palestinians in the Jerusalem neighborhoods of Al-Bustan and Sheikh Jarrah and calls upon the Department of State to exert diplomatic pressure to prevent these acts from taking place. The letter will be sent to Secretary Blinken on Thursday, so please use your representative to join the letter today!
Publicly condemn Israel’s attacks on Palestinians in Jerusalem. Many members of Congress have issued press releases or social media posts condemning Israel’s attacks. Call on your representative to join them.
While the videos of tear gas and sound grenades are heartbreaking and enraging, the imagery of tens of thousands of Palestinians praying Tarawih with resilience fills us with hope and commitment.
Moreover, ICNA and USCMO have decided to designate Saturday, May 15, 2021, as a Day of Solidarity with Al Aqsa and Palestine. Stay tuned for more information.
May our faith be as steadfast as theirs; while they brave a military assault, they remain unwavering. May our support for their struggle be unwavering.
Mohsin Ansari, MD
Chairman, USCMO
President, ICNA
The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts
