(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 11/22/2023) – The Philadelphia Chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) today criticized the City of Philadelphia for distancing itself from the Palestinian Day of Solidarity event and welcomed several politicians at the congressional and state level joining calls for a sustained ceasefire in Gaza.
The City of Philadelphia distanced itself from the Third Annual Day of Solidarity scheduled to take place on November 29 by placing hurdles for organizers to hold the event in City Hall, not allowing use of its logo on the event announcement, and not providing a city representative to speak at the event.
See: City of Philadelphia distances itself from third annual Palestinian Day of Solidarity
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/palestinian-day-of-solidarity-philadelphia-20231121.html
In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Dr. Ahmet Tekelioglu said: “The City of Philadelphia is betraying the trust of its Palestinian residents. Bowing down to fringe elements who seek to deny the existence of Palestinians is the last thing that our city needs. We invite all segments of the society to show up strongly on December 29 in defiance of such attempts to wish away Palestinians.”
Dr. Tekelioglu also welcomed Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon’s support for a sustained ceasefire in Gaza as well as the letter sent by a number of State Senators and State Reps to Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation encouraging them to advocate for a sustained ceasefire and protection of life in Gaza.
Tekelioglu said: “It is wonderful to see Congresswoman Scanlon join Congresswoman Summer Lee in this moral and courageous stance. The call by State Senator Nikil Saval and his colleagues in the Pennsylvania State Assembly should be heeded by all politicians. Our communities will remember these names with appreciation and will not forget the deafening silence of those Congressional members in the face of such atrocity brought upon the people of Gaza.”
The state level legislators signing the letter are Sen. Katie Muth, D-Berks/Chester/Montgomery, Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Philadelphia, Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny, Rep. Gina Curry, D-Delaware, Rep. Roni Green, D-Philadelphia, Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Philadelphia, Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Philadelphia, Rep. La’Tasha Mayes, D-Allegheny, Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, Rep. Christopher Rabb, D-Philadelphia, and Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster.
See: Group of Democrats Urge Biden and Blinken to Support a cease-fire in Gaza https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/group-democrats-urge-biden-blinken-support-cease-fire-gaza-rcna125411
See: State Senator Nikil Saval’s Tweet Announcing PA State House and Senate members’ letter https://x.com/SenatorSaval/status/1727075866587623908?s=20
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.
