The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin) today called on all San Marcos City Council members to vote next Tuesday, May 6th, in favor of a resolution that demands an immediate ceasefire in occupied Palestine, imposes an arms embargo on Israel, and unequivocally condemns all forms of Islamophobia, antisemitism, and xenophobia.
This call comes as the council prepares for its final vote on Tuesday, May 6, following a powerful public comment and members’ discussion session on April 15, where residents of San Marcos voiced their overwhelming support for peace, and human rights into the early hours of the morning.
“CAIR-Austin commends the community members who spoke out courageously on April 15th and the principled council members who advocated for the resolution stating that Palestinians deserve dignity and safety,” Said Shaimaa Zayan, the Operations Manager of CAIR-Austin, Texas Chapter. “While the proposed resolution may not bring peace to the oppressed overseas, it will declare what side of the history San Marcus residents are on. Furthermore, this cannot be dismissed as merely a foreign issue when our local taxpayer dollars are involved. I remain hopeful that the resolution will pass—and that other city councils across Texas will follow suit, regardless of state or federal positions.”
“Some of us stayed for the entire meeting on April 15th, which ended past 1am. We waited for the council members’ discussion, and it gives us hope to know that some council members have not forgotten our shared humanity and are listening to their constituents who are advocating for an end to genocide. Community organizing is powerful, and the opposition knows that very well,” said San Marcus TX Palestine Solidarity Organizers
The resolution also condemns all forms of bigotry including Islamophobia, antisemitism, and xenophobia.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR 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: Shaimaa Zayan, CAIR-Austin Operations Manager 512-785-7105, shaimaa.zayan@cairtx.org, Palestine Solidarity SMTX, sanmarcosforpalestine@gmail.com