Salaam,
It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I address you. The devastating bombings in Gaza and the ongoing Israeli violence against Palestinians, including in the West Bank, have left us deeply anguished. As people, but perhaps especially as Muslims, this pain runs deep, for we hold Palestine as a sacred land in our hearts. We reflect solemnly on the quote by the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish: “Nothing is harder on the soul than the smell of dreams while they're evaporating."
The relentless suffering and loss of life weigh heavily on us, and it is therefore with a sense of urgency that we have been actively engaging Congress with partners since October 7th. We are compelled by our faith, humanity, and principles to do everything in our power to advocate for a swift and lasting ceasefire, and to bring an end to the unfathomable suffering in Palestine. To this end, we have made contact with almost 100 Congressional offices, actively involving both Congress members and their staff in advocating for an urgent ceasefire. Furthermore, thanks to the unwavering support of dedicated advocates like you, we have sent over 4,000 letters to the House, urging our representatives to put an end to this violence.
I also attended a meeting with President Biden along with representatives of the Palestinian, Arab, and Black Muslim communities where we unequivocally called for a ceasefire, the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and a credible political process that results in the self-determination of the Palestinian people. We also conveyed to the President the need for great empathy for Palestinian suffering and to address rising anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bigotry in the United States.
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Our primary objective for our actions is to underscore the critical importance of the United States advocating for a ceasefire, increasing humanitarian assistance to Gaza, endorsing the humanization and protection of Palestinian lives and rights, and addressing the growing concerns related to Islamophobia and anti-Arab sentiments in our nation.
There is more work ahead, and your voice is essential. We urge you to continue taking action for Palestine by reaching out to your representatives and insisting on an immediate ceasefire. |
As an organization dedicated to upholding the rights, freedoms, and self-determination of Palestinians, we endorse H.Res. 786, the Ceasefire NOW Resolution, and applaud the 12 original sponsors and five co-sponsors for their support. It is clear that there is no military solution to this crisis, only a political one that encompasses ending the occupation and recognizing the freedoms and equal rights of Palestinians in their homeland. For more information about ways to support the Palestinian people and for community resources, please click here.
The isra' wal mi'raj, and the subsequent revelation of our Islamic obligation to pray five times a day, started in Palestine. In addition to the efforts we have been involved in politically, we at Emgage Action have been putting our hearts into sincerely praying for an end to the suffering. There is no military solution to this crisis, only a political one. This must include an end to the occupation and for the freedoms, dignity, and self-determination of Palestinians to be fully realized.
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| Sincerely, Wa'el Alzayat CEO, Emgage Action |
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