In This Moment, Our Commitment to Justice Must Remain Unshaken
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Salam Alaykum,
The news of the recent violent attack targeting Israeli embassy staff in Washington, D.C. was deeply troubling. At a time when our hearts are already heavy with grief over the ongoing devastation in Gaza, this act brought with it a renewed sorrow — and concern. Resorting to violence threatens the moral clarity that grounds our movement and endangers the progress we’ve made through peaceful, principled resistance.
Let us be clear: this act does not represent our values.
Here in Pennsylvania and Delaware, across the nation, and around the world, millions have raised their voices, marched in the streets, and taken courageous, nonviolent action to demand an end to occupation and injustice. We are people of faith and conscience. We are led by love — for our Creator, for the Prophet, for life, for justice, and for one another.
We know that bad-faith voices will try to weaponize this moment — to discredit our advocacy, criminalize our communities, and shift attention away from the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. We must not allow them to succeed.
This is a moment of profound pain, but also one of unprecedented solidarity. The movement for Palestinian freedom has never been stronger or more united. Our work is difficult, but it is righteous. We reject political violence and remain steadfast in our belief that justice can and must be pursued through peaceful means.
We will not be deterred. We will continue to organize, educate, and advocate — with discipline, compassion, and unwavering resolve.
In solidarity and service,
Ahmet Tekelioglu, PhD
Executive Director, CAIR-Philadelphia
