CAIR-NJ Joins NJ Coalition Group in Condemning Israel’s Attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque Worshippers, Demands Action from Elected Officials
(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 04/12/2023) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today joined a broad coalition group of New Jersey-based Muslim organizations in condemning Israel’s attacks on worshippers at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound and demanding action from New Jersey elected officials.
In part, the coalition group’s letter calls on New Jersey elected officials, including Senators Booker and Menendez and Governor Murphy, to condemn the attacks:
“We call on all of New Jersey’s Federal Elected officials, including Senators Booker and Menendez and our entire congressional delegation as well as Governor Murphy to condemn these violent attacks.
“We ask them to hold the Israeli Government accountable for its actions and to demand an end to the aggression against Palestinian worshippers at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound. We further ask them to demand that both Muslim and Christian Palestinians in and around Jerusalem, which has been their cultural and spiritual center for nearly two millennia, be given the true freedom of worship at their respective holy places.”
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“Al-Aqsa is one of the holiest Islamic sites, and what happens in al-Aqsa affects Muslims around the world, including in New Jersey, where we have the highest number of Muslims per capita across the U.S.
“New Jersey is also home to a sizeable Palestinian population. Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed by Israeli forces last May while wearing her press gear, was a New Jersey resident herself.
“The videos released on social media are especially disturbing. Israel’s attacks on Palestinian worshipers — during the month of Ramadan, no less— should be condemned by anyone who believes in human rights. We join coalition groups in calling on the Governor and New Jersey elected officials to condemn the heinous attacks and hold Israel accountable to international law.”
Israeli police and settlers stormed the al-Aqsa mosque compound in East Jerusalem twice last Wednesday and arrested hundreds of Palestinians, despite condemnations by the UN.
During the first incident on Wednesday morning, footage showed Israeli officers striking screaming people with batons inside the al-Aqsa mosque.
SEE: Israeli police storm al-Aqsa mosque for the second time on Wednesday
SEE: UN expert condemns brutal attacks on Palestinians at Al-Aqsa Mosque
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed, dsayedahmed@cair.com, 551-221-5592
