(WASHINGTON D.C., 6/29/2021) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the Biden administration to condemn the Israeli government’s ongoing demolition of Palestinian homes and businesses in the Silwan neighborhood in East Jerusalem.
Israeli occupation forces raided the Silwan neighborhood today and demolished a business in the al-Bustan area. Soldiers used tear gas and batons to push back residents and activists as they carried out the demolition. At least four Palestinians were injured. The business was just one of more than 100 buildings housing some 1,500 people in al-Bustan targeted for demolition. Israel plans to build a religious theme park on the land.
SEE: Demolitions begin in occupied East Jerusalem’s Silwan
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/29/demolitions-begin-in-occupied-east-jerusalems-silwan
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“Israel’s apartheid government is using American taxpayer dollars to engage in yet another campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Palestinians, this time in Silwan. They are illegally seizing the land of Palestinians, forcing families to destroy their own homes or face fines if the Israeli government destroys them.
“We urge the Biden administration to condemn the demolitions of Palestinian homes and businesses in Silwan, and to pressure the Israeli government to stop all appropriation of Palestinian property. President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken have the political power and moral responsibility to defend the human rights of Palestinians and to speak out against injustice.”
He noted that CAIR has previously urged the Biden administration to condemn Israel’s attacks on Palestinians.
SEE: CAIR Calls on Biden Administration to End Its Silence, Stop Israel’s Killing of Civilians in Gaza
ACTION ALERT: Urge Your Senators to Condemn Both Israel’s Attacks on Masjid Al-Aqsa and Effort to Expel Palestinian Families from Sheikh Jarrah
CAIR Calls on U.S. Government to Defund Israeli Apartheid After Human Rights Watch Report Outlines Systematic Oppression of Palestinians
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: CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com