Muslim civil rights group welcomes Philadelphia City Council resolution honoring Nasrallah Abu Siyam and Governor Shapiro’s call for federal investigation
(PHILADELPHIA, PA., 3/6/2026) – The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) today condemned Pennsylvania Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick for their failure to sign onto a letter led by Senator Chris Van Hollen calling for an investigation into the killing of Nasrallah Abu Siyam, a Philadelphia-born American Muslim who was killed by illegal Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
SEE: Philadelphia officials demand investigation into Nasrallah Abu Siyam’s death – WHYY
SEE ALSO: Family of Philadelphia-born teen killed in West Bank urges national investigation – ABC
Lawmakers honor Philly-born Palestinian American killed by Israeli settlers – Inquirer
The Van Hollen-led congressional letter calls on the U.S. government to investigate the killing and ensure that American citizens abroad are afforded equal protection under the law. CAIR-Philadelphia said the refusal of Pennsylvania’s senators to support that effort raises troubling questions about whether American lives are valued equally when the victims are Palestinian Americans.
“Every American deserves the full protection of their government, regardless of their faith, ethnicity, or where they are killed,” CAIR-Philadelphia said. “The silence of Pennsylvania’s senators in the face of this tragedy is a moral failure that cannot go unanswered.”
At the same time, CAIR-Philadelphia welcomed decisive local and state leadership honoring Abu Siyam’s life and calling for accountability. The Muslim civil rights organization applauded Councilmembers Rue Landau and Nicholas O’Rourke for introducing a resolution in the Philadelphia City Council honoring Abu Siyam’s life and legacy. The resolution passed unanimously, sending a powerful message that Philadelphia stands with one of its own and demands justice for the killing of an American citizen.
SEE: Family of Philadelphia-born teen killed in West Bank urges national investigation
SEE: Philadelphia City Council Resolution Honoring Nasrallah Abu Siyam
SEE: CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director’s Remarks at Philadelphia City Council
CAIR-Philadelphia also welcomed a letter sent by Governor Josh Shapiro to the U.S. Attorney General urging a federal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Abu Siyam’s death.
SEE: Governor Shapiro’s Letter
Yesterday, CAIR-Philadelphia and partner community organizations were joined by Abu Siyam’s family members and elected officials at a press conference in Philadelphia highlighting Abu Siyam’s life and calling for accountability. The event featured remarks from members of Abu Siyam’s family, local elected officials, and community leaders who shared his story and urged federal authorities to investigate his killing.
WATCH: Press Conference with Family Members and Elected Officials
“Nasrallah Abu Siyam was a son of Philadelphia and an American citizen whose life was taken in an act of violence that demands accountability,” said CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu. “While we are deeply disappointed that Senators Fetterman and McCormick refused to join their colleagues in calling for an investigation, we commend Philadelphia City Council for standing on the side of justice and human dignity. We also welcome Governor Shapiro’s letter calling for a thorough investigation.”
Family members described Abu Siyam as a beloved relative and proud Philadelphian whose life and legacy deserve recognition and justice.
“Nasrallah’s family deserves answers, and our community deserves to know that American lives are not treated as expendable,” Ahmet Tekelioglu said.
CAIR-Philadelphia pledges to continue working with local and national partners to ensure that Nasrallah Abu Siyam’s story is heard and that federal authorities conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.
CAIR-Philadelphia pledges to continue working with local and national partners to ensure that Nasrallah Abu Siyam’s story is heard and that federal authorities conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Ahmet Tekelioglu, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director, 617-401-5397, atekelioglu@cair.com.
