The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced that it has sent a letter to U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey (MD-04) urging immediate action to secure the release of a Prince George’s County resident reportedly kidnapped by Israeli forces while participating in a humanitarian aid flotilla.
Dr. John Reuwer, MD, a retired physician and constituent of Rep. Ivey, was reportedly among activists aboard the Global Sumud Peace Flotilla intercepted this week near Crete while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The flotilla interception is part of a broader incident in which Israeli forces reportedly seized dozens of civilian vessels and kidnapped approximately 175 activists participating in the international humanitarian mission.
CAIR’s letter to Rep. Ivey builds on a national call to action by the organization urging Congress to demand the release of all detained flotilla participants, including American citizens.
In its letter, CAIR called on Rep. Ivey to take urgent steps to ensure Dr. Reuwer’s safety, due process, and swift return home.
“We call on Rep. Ivey to use every available channel to advocate for Dr. Reuwer’s immediate release and to reaffirm the importance of protecting humanitarian efforts and human rights globally,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “As his elected representative, Congressman Ivey has the authority and responsibility to act swiftly to protect his rights and well-being. We urge immediate diplomatic engagement to secure his release and safe passage home.”
CAIR outlined several specific actions for Rep. Ivey’s office, including:
- Engaging the U.S. Department of State to confirm Dr. Reuwer’s status, ensure consular access, and prioritize his case as a detained U.S. citizen
- Opening a formal congressional case file to monitor updates through the U.S. Embassy and Israeli authorities
- Issuing a public statement calling for humane treatment, due process, and Dr. Reuwer’s prompt release
CAIR emphasized that the kidnapping of humanitarian activists in international waters raises serious concerns about international law, human rights, and the safety of U.S. citizens abroad.
The organization reiterated its national position that all flotilla participants – who are civilians engaged in a humanitarian mission – must be released immediately and allowed safe passage.
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 Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com