(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 10/24/23) – The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today questioned the apparent refusal of state members of Congress to meet with Muslim and Arab-American constituents to hear their views on the ongoing Middle East conflict and the dehumanization of Palestinian civilians suffering under Israeli bombardment.
CAIR-MN and other local advocacy groups have been calling for a ceasefire after Israeli bombings of civilians – including children, medical facilities, public infrastructure, mosques, churches, and refugee camps. Local organizations and constituents held peaceful protests and called Congressional Offices. Community members and concerned citizens protested last Thursday in front of all 10 congressional Offices.
CAIR-MN has requested urgent virtual meetings with congressional officials last week on behalf of the Minnesota families and community members who lost their loved ones in the War. An Israeli airstrike reportedly took the lives of 30 family members of Tariq and Manal Hamouda from Woodbury.
Some of the offices made staff available to meet with community members and the elected officials stated they had other commitments. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is the only member of congress to meet with Muslim Community leaders and families so far.
“It is unfortunate that our congressional representatives are out of sight when their constituents and communities need them the most. They can definitely take a 30-minute virtual meeting with Minnesotans and American families who lost their loved ones in airstrikes that are still killing more children every second,” said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein.
He noted that yesterday, CAIR-MN’s national office called Israeli attacks on Gaza “genocide” after the death toll of Palestinians topped 5,000, including more than 2,000 children.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
END
CONTACT: CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein,612-406-0070, [email protected]; CAIR-MN Advocacy Director Osman Ahmed, (612) 459-0334