Civil rights group calls on Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) to join Sen. Van Hollen (D-MD), Others in Supporting Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (I-VT) JRDs, urges members of Congress to enact immediate arms embargo, invoke Leahy Laws
(BALTIMORE, MD, 11/20/2024) – The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today applauded the City of Hyattsville’s passage of Resolution No. 2024-03 affirming its commitment to human rights and support for congressional and worldwide calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and an immediate arms embargo pending unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza by Israel.
SEE: CITY OF HYATTSVILLE RESOLUTION No. 2024-03
“On the 412th day of Israel and the U.S.’s genocide in Gaza, and expanded violence in the West Bank and Lebanon, the City of Hyattsville passed the first resolution in the State of Maryland expressing support for a ceasefire and an arms embargo to Israel,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “This move was prompted by the undeterred and growing chorus of voices demanding an end to U.S. taxpayer dollars funding Israel’s relentless crimes against humanity.”
The United States Senate is expected to vote later today on the historic Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRDs) introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) that seeks to block a $20 billion arms shipment to Israel. CAIR Maryland is calling on Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) to recalibrate his moral compass and join Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) in supporting the measure. In addition to Senator Van Hollen (D-MD), Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are also planning to support some or all of the JRDs.
SEE: Van Hollen Backs Sanders Resolutions to Block US Arms Sales to Israel
Bernie Sanders pushes to block US arms sale to Israel: All you need to know
The civil rights group is doubling down on its call on Congress to fulfill its duty to act where the president has failed and urgently enact an immediate arms embargo to Israel and invoke the Leahy Laws.
Recently, CAIR declared President Biden a “war criminal” following his decision to continue sending weapons to the Israeli government after it flouted Biden’s 30-day deadline to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has joined at least 66 members of congress, dozens of U.S. cities and counties and nearly 70 percent of Americans in calling for an end to the injustices, violence and bloodshed.
In the past, CAIR Maryland has welcomed ceasefire resolutions or public statements by the Town of Cheverly in Prince George’s County; the City of Takoma Park in Montgomery County; Montgomery, Howard and Anne Arundel Counties; U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Representatives Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin and David Trone from Maryland’s congressional delegation.
SEE: Town of Cheverly Passes Ceasefire Resolution
CAIR Welcomes Takoma Park City Council Resolution Supporting a Gaza Ceasefire
Research from the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, a think tank with offices in Washington, D.C. and Dearborn, MI, shows that the overwhelming majority of Muslims, and Jewish democrats favor a ceasefire.
SEE: Majority of Muslim and Jewish Democrats Favor a Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, [email protected], 410-971-6062; National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]