The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) applauds community members for urging members of Congress to speak out and demands the immediate release of American citizens and international activists detained by Israeli forces while delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Among the American delegation that was recently released were two New Jerseyans, artist Carise Blanton and Instagram personality Tommy Marcus.
READ: Activists of Gaza aid flotilla mistreated in Israeli prison: Legal center – Anadolu Agency
CAIR-NJ is concerned with reports from released flotilla participants of the conditions they faced, humiliation rituals they had to endure, religious violations by Israeli guards, and brutal punishments in prisons.
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“The reports from the released flotilla participants are deeply troubling. No one delivering humanitarian aid should be met with violence, humiliation, or imprisonment. The accounts of abuse, religious violations, and inhumane treatment at the hands of Israeli authorities are unacceptable and must be condemned by all who value human rights and the rule of law.
“We thank our community for mobilizing so quickly to demand justice and urge New Jersey’s elected officials to not only speak out but to take concrete action to ensure the safety, release, and fair treatment of all remaining detainees. Humanitarian aid is not a crime. Compassion should never be punished.”
WATCH: American Delegation of Global Sumud Flotilla Speaks Out on Abuse in Israeli Prisons
In a video posted on Instagram, Marcus said Flotilla participants were “violently and illegally raided by Israeli naval forces. Our boats and belongings were stolen, while we were zip tied, brutalized, and blindfolded en route to an internment camp in the Negev desert.”
Participants also said they were denied food, water, and medicine, as well as legal representation and rights after the Israeli military illegally detained them.
CAIR-NJ strongly condemns the reported abuses and calls on New Jersey’s Congressional representatives to issue public statements demanding the activists’ release and humane treatment.
SEE: Israel accused of detaining Greta Thunberg in infested cell and making her hold flags – The Guardian
While Marcus and Blanton are free and safe in Jordan, not all Sumud participants have been freed from Israeli prisons.
CAIR-NJ calls to keep the pressure on NJ’s representatives in calling for the release of all Global Sumud Participants who are illegally being held Israeli prisons, where they face unknown horrors and abuse.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
END
CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, 551-208-5482, aelamroussi@cair.com