John,

For Muslims around the world, we are in the holiest time of Ramadan, which is the holiest month of the year. It has been one of the hardest Ramadan months that I can remember.

As many know, Ramadan is a month for solidarity and empathy with impoverished and oppressed people, including taking actions like feeding hungry people.

As our Muslim neighbors break daily fasts with family and communities, many Muslims are grieving and horrified as the Israeli government intentionally starves millions of people in Gaza. They can't eat without thinking of starvation being used as a weapon of war in Gaza.

We’re seeing images of Muslims in Gaza praying among the rubble because their mosques were destroyed. Even during Easter, seeing the beloved Christian Palestinians in Gaza celebrate among the wreckage. Many have had to bury their loved ones during this genocide.

Last year, I introduced a resolution in Congress to recognize Eid al-Fitr, the observance of the conclusion of Ramadan. It is even more important to bring this recognition to Congress as others use our mere existence in the U.S. for political games and fear-mongering.

I still remember a colleague in Congress from New Jersey yell out, “They are all guilty,” referring to the Muslim community.

Our own lawmakers continue to make violent, dehumanizing, and genocidal statements, like the U.S. Congressperson from Michigan who recently called to repeat the unimaginable horrors of Nagasaki and Hiroshima by dropping nuclear weapons on Gaza.

This devaluation of life is not only dangerous for the human beings suffering in Palestine, but it’s also dangerous for Palestinian Americans, Muslim Americans, and Arab Americans, who are facing increased Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate.

My congressional resolution recognizing Eid al-Fitr also recognizes the contributions of American Muslims to our society. It calls on the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the importance of the Islamic faith, to demonstrate solidarity with and support for Muslims, and to express deep respect and best wishes to Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr.

Will you sign on today to support my resolution in Congress to recognize Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr—and to respect Muslims’ humanity?

Thank you for helping build a world with equity and dignity for all, no matter our backgrounds.

In solidarity,

Rashida