Salaam,
I hope this letter finds you well, despite the challenging times we find ourselves in. Today, I write to you as the CEO of Emgage with a heavy heart, but also with a sense of determination and hope. Our community and countless others have come together in solidarity, joining over 70 organizations, civil rights groups, and houses of worship in signing a letter to President Biden. This collective urge is a call to action: a demand for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and an end to anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian rhetoric.
The situation in the Holy Land has reached a critical juncture, with innocent lives suffering immeasurable loss and pain. As we put pen to paper and add our voices to this collective effort, we must emphasize the following urgent points:
1. Immediate Ceasefire: We implore the Administration to use its diplomatic might to urgently broker a ceasefire in Gaza. This is not just a call for peace; it is a cry for the protection of innocent people, including American citizens, trapped in the midst of this violence.
2. Lasting Peace: The recurring cycles of violence must be permanently ended through credible negotiations that aim to achieve lasting peace, with the ultimate goal of ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
In Gaza, we have witnessed a massive bombing campaign that has destroyed not only buildings, but also the lives of innocent civilians. The rhetoric emanating from the Israeli government, and our own government here in the United States, is deeply troubling. The callous disregard for human life, the ongoing collective punishment, and the resulting suffering are in violation of international law and implicate the United States in war crimes.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, comprised of far-right extremists, has issued alarming statements that cannot be ignored. Giving carte blanche to such actions under the pretext of fighting terrorism will only lead to more innocent lives lost.
The facts are stark: Civilians, including children, are paying a heavy price. We must stand together to prevent further loss of innocent lives. It is time for the United States to step in, to bring the ongoing violence to a halt, and to demand adherence to international law.
In this critical moment, we call upon the Administration to secure a ceasefire, to prevent further civilian casualties, and to initiate credible negotiations that pave the way for a lasting and just peace, including an end to the occupation. By doing so, the Administration can leave an indelible mark on history, ending the cycle of violence that has persisted for far too long.
Emgage and our coalition partners stand ready to support efforts in securing a just and lasting peace in the region. Together, we can make a difference and work towards a future where all people can live in peace, dignity, and security.
