The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) and CAIR Action NJ today called on New Jersey officials to condemn the killing of a New Jersey-born Palestinian teen by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank and urge officials to demand accountability for the murder of the American citizen and the attempted killing of two others.
Amer Mohammad Saada Rabeea —a 14-year-old boy formerly of Saddle Brook, New Jersey— was shot and killed April 6 by the Israeli military. Amer along with 15-year-old Ayoub Jabara, who is also an American citizen, and Abdulrahman Shihada,15, was also hospitalized following the shooting.
READ: Palestinian American teen from North Jersey shot and killed in the West Bank
The shooting happened at the entrance of the West Bank town of Turmus Ayya, and the Israeli army pronounced Amer dead after detaining him, Reuters reported citing officials.
The shooting occurred amidst escalating settler violence in the West Bank, including incursions into occupied territory and raids on Bedouin villages and encampments, which has intensified since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
Join CAIR-NJ and CAIR Action NJ in urging members of Congress to call for a full, independent investigation into Amer’s murder and to ensure that U.S. aid is no longer used to violate human rights.
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“Amer Rabeea’s tragic killing is a senseless act that underscores the urgent need for accountability in the occupied West Bank. No human life should be taken in vain.It’s been 18 months of the indiscriminate mass murder of Palestinians.We call on New Jersey officials, as well as leaders across the nation, to stand in solidarity with his family and demand justice for this heartbreaking loss of life. The violence against innocent civilians must end.”
AP: Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 32, mostly women and childrenNearly 18,000 children have in Israeli attacks in Gaza, including 274 newborn babies and 876 infants below the age of one year, Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics reported.
Additionally, at least 100 children have been killed or injured every day in Gaza since Israel broke the ceasefire in March, according to the UN.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, 551-208-5482, aelamroussi@cair.com