(PHILADELPHIA, PA. 12/18/2023) – The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) today welcomed “with reservation” a statement by Congresswoman Susan Wild advocating for “an extensive humanitarian pause” and immediate resumption of diplomatic talks leading to release of hostages and an end to killing of Palestinian civilians. Wild serves Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District encompassing Lehigh and Northampton counties.
SEE: Rep. Susan Wild Calls for Extensive Humanitarian Pause In Gaza, Resumption of Negotiations
In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Dr. Ahmet Tekelioglu said:
“We welcome, with reservation, Rep. Wild’s December 14 statement. The call for an extensive humanitarian pause is a step in the right direction but precedence shows that Gazan population will not benefit from a slow death. It is imperative that all Pennsylvania politicians immediately advocate for a lasting ceasefire and a clear end to Israel’s indiscriminate killings.”
Nagi Latefa, an Allentown civic and religious leader hailing from Gaza and who lost his mother and two cousins in the last two months in Gaza, noted:
“We have been in direct conversation with Rep. Wild and other Pennsylvania politicians from day one, urging them to take a clear position without delay to prevent civilian loss of life. Our communities have been at a loss why our Representatives are taking this long to stand for civilian life and dignity.”
Latefa continued: “My mother lost her life because of lack of clean drinking water in Gaza. Thousands of children died in the last few weeks alone because of lack of electricity and medical supplies. While Rep. Wild’s call is a welcome step, I cannot emphasize how important it is for these calls to become bolder and not shy away from using the phrase ‘permanent ceasefire.’ Israel’s extremist government cannot be trusted to act in accordance with international law and basic norms of humanity. As Americans we have a responsibility to stop our complicity in the crimes against humanity that we witness every day in both Gaza and the West Bank.”
Another Palestinian- American leader in the Lehigh Valley, Ahmad Mahmud added:
“Rep. Wild’s statement is a step in the right direction, but it falls short of the mark— a call for a permanent and lasting ceasefire. The calls for a humanitarian pause themselves point out to the unbearable humanitarian crisis that Palestinians are experiencing day in and day out. We would like to see Rep. Wild join, without delay, the countless members of Congress that are calling for a permanent ceasefire.”
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-Philadelphia Executive Director Dr. Ahmet Tekelioglu; atekelioglu@cair.com ; 617-401-5397