Coalition Letter Calls on Maryland Congressman to Reconcile Legacy of Civil Rights Leadership with Support for Additional Military Aid to Israel
Earlier today, a coalition of Maryland advocacy organizations including Peace Action Maryland, Peace Action Baltimore, IfNotNow Baltimore, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ Maryland office sent a letter to Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) expressing profound disappointment over his vote against Representative Thomas Massie’s amendment to prohibit an additional $3.3 billion in military assistance to Israel.
The letter, addressed to the former NAACP president and longtime civil rights leader, seeks accountability for Rep. Mfume’s vote that stands in stark contrast to the principles of justice, accountability, and human dignity that have defined much of his public service.
It reads in part:
“The same moral framework that compels us to oppose racism, segregation, and state-sanctioned discrimination in the United States should also compel us to oppose policies that enable mass civilian suffering overseas.
“You have often spoken of standing on the shoulders of giants like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
Congressman John Lewis, and countless others who understood that human rights are universal.
“It begs the question of whether those giants would condone a vote to authorize billions more in military assistance amid one of the gravest humanitarian crises of our time…”
About the Organizations
Peace Action Maryland is the Maryland affiliate of Peace Action, a national grassroots organization committed to building a powerful movement for peace and diplomacy.
Peace Action Baltimore organizes Baltimore-area residents to advance peace, justice, and nonviolent solutions to conflict.
IfNotNow Baltimore is part of a movement of American Jews working to end U.S. support for Israel’s occupation and advance equality, justice, and freedom for Palestinians and Israelis.
CAIR Maryland is the statewide satellite office of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization.
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.
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 Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, [email protected], 410-971-6062; CAIR Government Affairs Coordinator Shafiquil Mushana, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]