MEDIA ADVISORY: CAIR-NY, Muslim Leaders, NYC Orgs, Mosques Demand NYC Council Support Ceasefire Resolution
(NEW YORK, NY, 7/17/2024) – Tomorrow, Thursday, July 18, the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, along with NYC4Ceasefire, community organizations, and leaders will join in a press conference demanding the NYC Council pass a ceasefire resolution.
WHAT: NYC4Ceasefire Press Conference
WHEN: Thursday, July 18th, 2024, 10 AM – 12PM
WHERE: City Hall Park, Brooklyn Bridge Side
CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, ANasher@cair.com,
Saira Amar, MPA, CAIR-NY, Communications Coordinator, SAmar@cair.com,
New Yorkers for Ceasefire, newyorkers4ceasefire@gmail.com
Additionally, today, a broad coalition of 42 New York Muslim organizations, 71 Islamic Faith Centers, and 141 Community and Faith Leaders united to send a strong message to pass the resolution drafted by NYC4Ceasefire. In a letter to the Council Speaker, the coalition called for the introduction and passage of a model ceasefire resolution drafted by NYC4Ceasefire, aiming to address the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Over the past 9 months, the Muslim community in NYC has been deeply affected by the genocide in Gaza, where over 186,000 Palestinians, including at least 14,000 children, have been killed, 86,858 wounded, and at least 20,000 are missing and presumed dead. The letter underscores the devastating impact on Gaza's population, with 85% displaced and many detained under brutal conditions.
The coalition also highlights the rise in hate crimes, Islamophobia, and racism in NYC, expressing frustration at the lack of support from their representatives. They commend the 18 City Council Members who have called for a ceasefire and urge the Council to join over 100 other US cities in introducing a ceasefire resolution for this call.
The coalition's demands include:
1. An immediate, complete, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza
2. An end to all U.S. military funding and aid to Israel
3. Release of all Palestinians held without trial in Israeli prisons and Israeli hostages
4. Facilitation of unconditional humanitarian aid throughout Palestine
The coalition is ready to discuss the resolution and awaits a response from Councilmember Adrienne Adams about the NYC4Ceasefire resolution, reflecting New Yorkers' overwhelming demand for peace and justice.
Quotes from NYC Muslim Leaders:
“The call to support a ceasefire is the most basic of asks for anyone with a conscience. It's a call to end the brutal violence that is slaughtering tens of thousands of innocent mothers, children, and fathers, who are targeted because of their ethnicity. Our government's horrific complicity is a crime against humanity. As New Yorkers who supposedly embody the diversity of the world, we should have been the very first to demand a ceasefire, but we can do so now. We expect our City Council to amplify the calls for peace without further delay.” Afaf Nasher, Executive Director, Council on American Islamic Relations
"I visited Cairo to pack food aid for Gaza and support Palestinian refugees. Despite their resilience in the face of the unimaginable loss and hardships they are facing, it is evident that merely sending aid to Gaza is not enough. The NYC City Council must pass a ceasefire resolution to end this U.S.-funded genocide and bring hope and stability to Gaza." - Marwa Janini, Executive Director Arab American Association of New York
"Today marks a pivotal moment for New York City's Muslim community as we unite in unprecedented numbers to demand justice and peace for Gaza. The resolution drafted by NYC4Ceasefire is not just a document; it is a powerful testament to our collective outrage and our unwavering commitment to humanity. The genocide in Gaza has inflicted unimaginable suffering, with over 186,000 lives lost and countless more affected. Our city, which prides itself on diversity and compassion, cannot stand silent in the face of such atrocity. We commend the 18 City Council Members supporting this cause and urge the entire Council to join us in responding to New Yorkers' call for peace. We look forward to Councilmember Adrienne Adams' response to this urgent resolution ” Rana Abdelhamid, Executive Director, Malikah
“As an education justice organization, we recognize the need to continually raise our voices in solidarity, and as the assault on Palestine persists it demands ongoing advocacy. Our mission has always been to advocate for the rights of all children, regardless of race or economic background, ensuring they have access to safe and fulfilling lives. This moment demands that we recognize the interconnectedness of our struggles for justice and liberation. I believe most of the council is aligned with the majority of New Yorkers who are urgently demanding the passing of a ceasefire resolution.” Zakiya Ansari, Alliance for Quality Education
“YAMA Action urges the N.Y. City Council to pass this ceasefire resolution in solidarity with the Palestinian people, whose ongoing plight resonates deeply with the Yemeni community. We stand united in our commitment to peace, justice, and the enduring support our communities provide to those enduring conflict and pain during this genocide.” Youssef Mubarez, President, YAMA Action
"We demand the NYC City Council pass a ceasefire resolution to urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The ongoing violence has led to immense loss of life and suffering. As a city known for its commitment to justice and human rights, we must stand together to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, end military funding to Israel, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need. Our collective voice can make a powerful impact in advocating for peace and the protection of all innocent lives." Husein Yatabarry, Executive Director, Muslim Community Network
“Our community includes one of the largest Muslim, Arab and Palestinian communities in the country with thousands of congregants, many of whom have family that have been killed and affected by the genocide in Gaza. They are all in support of a ceasefire resolution based in truth and justice.” Malik Hassan, Muslim American Society Youth Center
“Opposing this genocide should not be considered radical. Should anyone deny that all groups of people deserve to live in safety and freedom, regardless of race or religion? As Americans, we especially have a responsibility to speak up as the majority of weapons used against Palestinians flow from the US.” Selma Mohamed, Muslim American Society, NY Chapter
“The ongoing genocide in Gaza has had real local repercussions for our communities in NYC. 89% of the Bengali women we surveyed in the Bronx shared that they feel more unsafe in their daily lives as a result of current global events. Many also shared that they don't feel supported by elected officials, schools, universities, and workplaces as they navigate both the vicarious trauma of bearing witness to genocide and the increased discrimination and hate the Muslim community is facing. Violence normalized against majority-Muslim people abroad inevitably increases violence in our communities at home and requires a clear and unequivocal response from our elected officials. The NYC4Ceasefire resolution is the bare minimum of what our communities need to feel seen, heard, and valued as New Yorkers.” Diya Basu-Sen, Executive Director, SAPNA NYC
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY 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:
Burhan Carroll, Esq., CAIR-NY Staff Attorney, BCarroll@cair.com; (646) 665-7599
Saira Amar, MPA, CAIR-NY, Communications Coordinator, SAmar@cair.com