(TAMPA, FL – 10/7/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Florida Chapter (CAIR-FL), stands firmly in support of the Palestinian people and their fundamental right to be free from the Israeli occupation.
The relentless and unjustified attacks by Israel on Palestinian towns, cities, and refugee camps have resulted in heartbreaking loss of Palestinian lives. We strongly condemn Israel’s deliberate and indiscriminate targeting of civilians, including innocent children, women, and the elderly. We also denounce the inhumane blockade imposed on the nearly 2 million inhabitants of Gaza, which not only violates international law but also constitutes an implicit declaration of open war on the Palestinians, compelling them to defend themselves constantly.
The silence surrounding these grave injustices is deeply troubling. We firmly believe that justice is the foundation of lasting peace. Without justice, no amount of security measures can bring about genuine peace.
We call upon the United States government, which provides extensive military, economic, financial, political, and diplomatic support to Israel, to exert pressure on the occupying regime and demand an immediate end to these atrocities. It is evident that the long-standing policy of unwavering support for Israel has failed to bring peace to both Israelis and Palestinians. To achieve stability in the region, it is imperative to seriously reconsider and adopt a fair and balanced approach.
Furthermore, we urge Arab and Muslim countries that have normalized their relations with Israel to reassess their stance in the pursuit of peace and stability in the region. We should not forget that the concept of “land for peace” has long been proposed, only to be disregarded and rejected by Israel, causing humiliation and disgrace to those who put it forward. Normalizing relations should never come at the expense of the rights of the Palestinian people to their lands. True peace cannot be achieved if we disregard the sanctity and the rights of Muslims to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Al-Quds Alshareef. These holy places belong to the 1.7 billion Muslims worldwide and should always be respected and protected. The responsibility for the safety and sanctity of Al-Quds and the holy sites lies with the Muslim countries, both individually and collectively.
In solidarity with the Palestinian people and in pursuit of international justice, we call upon the United States government, Arab and Muslim governments, and the global community to exert maximum pressure on Israel to cease its provocations and abide by international demands to respect Palestinian rights to their lands, properties, and lives. Genuine and lasting peace can only be achieved when these rights are recognized by all parties involved.
CAIR-FL’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-FL’s es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR- FL Media & Outreach Director Wilfredo A. Ruiz, 305-502-6749, [email protected];
