In a powerful and emotional news conference held in Washington, DC, representatives of Arab and Muslim groups came together to denounce the relentless conflict in Gaza and the “dehumanization” of Palestinians by media outlets and politicians. The passionate plea from Palestinian Americans and their supporters came as a response to Washington’s unconditional backing of Israel’s actions in the region, drawing attention to the urgent need for change.
Arab and Muslim Groups Condemn the Dehumanization of Palestinians
The news conference, held on a Friday, united advocates of Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian rights, shedding light on the deteriorating situation in Gaza. Nihad Awad, the Executive Director of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), directed his words at President Joe Biden, criticizing his unwavering support for Israel and his failure to acknowledge the humanity of Palestinians. In a direct message, Awad stated, “You are not helping. You are, in fact, giving the green light for Israel to commit a genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. You failed us as American citizens. You failed us as Palestinians. And you failed the world community.”
Awad’s condemnation highlighted President Biden’s consistent support for Israel, with his recent pledge to ensure Israel’s military needs while scarcely acknowledging the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The plea was clear: “We call on you, Mr. President, to put an end to this violence. You have the ability and power to prevent a mass crime and genocide from happening.”
Warnings of Hate Incidents against Arab and Muslim Americans
Additionally, the representatives expressed concern about the potential rise in hate incidents against Arab and Muslim Americans due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Nihad Awad’s message was a stark reminder that innocent lives were at stake, both in Palestine and within American communities. He emphasized the need to address the historical context of the conflict, highlighting the decades-long subjugation of Palestinians to violence, discrimination, and ethnic cleansing.
Awad underscored the tragic deaths of two US citizens by Israel last year, emphasizing the value of every human life. He asserted, “We, as Muslims and Palestinians and Americans, believe that every human life is valuable and sacred and has to be protected.”
Calls for Acknowledging Historical Context and Immediate De-escalation
Chris Habiby, the Director of National Government Affairs and Advocacy at the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), called for an immediate de-escalation to halt the violence. Instead, he lamented that American elected leaders appeared to perpetuate Israeli propaganda, advocating for the destruction of the densely populated Gaza Strip. Habiby drew attention to troubling rhetoric from some US politicians, like Senator Lindsey Graham, who openly called for unchecked violence against Gaza.
Such inflammatory language, according to Habiby, has sowed a “culture of fear” in Arab-American communities, leading to incidents of assault against Palestine solidarity demonstrators. He cited disturbing instances where groups waved the flag of the Jewish Defense League, an ultranationalist organization suspected of violent attacks against Arab and Palestinian Americans.
Ayah Ziyadeh, the Advocacy Director at American Muslims for Palestine, joined the chorus of voices against the ongoing violence. She accused US politicians of demonizing Palestinians to provide cover for Israel’s “horrendous crimes.” Ziyadeh emphasized the clear root causes of the violence, which include Israeli military occupation and apartheid, as well as US complicity.
In conclusion, the heartfelt plea from Palestinian Americans and their allies serves as a compelling call for change. The persistent support for Israel and the disregard for Palestinian suffering has ignited a sense of urgency, urging President Biden to reevaluate the United States’ stance in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The advocates insist that acknowledging the historical context and de-escalation are crucial steps towards ending the ongoing crisis.
