Assalamu Alaikum,
On behalf of the US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), we 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 at the sacred site of Al-Aqsa for the past several days. As of this writing, 20 have reportedly been killed (including 9 children) and over 800 have been injured.
Hundreds of residents of the Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah 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 request is one of the most important we’ve ever made: Can you please take just a few minutes to call your Congressional Representative today?
All you need to do is call (202) 224-3121, which is the House of Representatives switchboard, 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 sign the Pocan -Newman letter that expresses concern about Israel’s imminent plan to forcibly displace nearly 2,000 Palestinians in the Jerusalem neighborhoods of Al-Bustan and Sheikh Jarrah. Ask that your Representative please add his or her signature to the letter so that the U.S. doesn’t remain silent while this injustice is taking place.
The letter, circulated by Representatives Marie Newman and Mark Pocan, urges Secretary of State Tony Blinken and the Biden Administration to exert diplomatic pressure on Israel to stop this action. 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 just as 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.
—END—
Islamic Circle of North America
E-mail: ICNA PR Email
Office: (718) 658-1199
