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Coalition Demands U.S. Investigation; Family Members Remain Stranded in Palestine Amid Airspace Closures
(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 3/4/2026) — The family of slain U.S. citizen Nasrallah Abu Siyam will speak publicly for the first time at a press conference on Thursday, March 5 at 1 PM at the Friends Center, calling for a full U.S. investigation into his killing and urgent action from American officials.
WHO: Family Members of Nasrallah Abu Siyam, Justice 4 Nasrallah Coalition Members, Elected Officials
WHAT: Press conference featuring family members of Nasrallah Abu Siyam and elected officials demanding U.S. action
WHEN: Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM
WHERE: Friends Center 1501 Cherry Street Philadelphia, PA 19102
LIVESTREAM: instagram.com/cairphilly
CONTACT: Ahmet Tekelioglu, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director, 617-401-5397, atekelioglu@cair.com
Abu Siyam, a Philadelphia-born American citizen, was killed in the West Bank by Israeli settlers, aided by Israeli army units. His family is demanding transparency, accountability, and equal protection under U.S. law — principles they say must apply to all Americans without exception.
READ: Act Now! Philly born teen murdered by Israeli settlers
Several family members remain in Palestine and are currently unable to travel back to the US due to ongoing airspace closures, adding to the family’s anguish and underscoring the urgency of U.S. diplomatic engagement. Organizers say the family’s inability to reunite highlights the human toll beyond the killing itself.
“This is not an abstract policy debate — this is a family shattered,” said CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu. “Nasrallah was a son of Philadelphia, a cherished teenager, and an American citizen. His family deserves answers. The American people deserve accountability. Equal protection for American citizens cannot depend on who they are or where they are. When an American is killed, our government must pursue accountability consistently and without hesitation.”
Family members present in the Philadelphia area will share Nasrallah’s story, describe the impact of his death, and speak about relatives who remain stranded abroad.
NATIONAL IMPLICATIONS
Organizers stress that the killing of an American citizen abroad requires a transparent and independent investigation, as well as clear public accountability measures.
Speakers will call for:
- A full and transparent U.S. investigation
- A formal State Department briefing
- Public statements from Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation
- Congressional oversight regarding protections for U.S. citizens overseas, particularly in the West Bank and Gaza.
Family representatives, elected officials, and coalition leaders will be available for interviews immediately following the event.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, 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: Ahmet Tekelioglu, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director, 617-401-5397, atekelioglu@cair.com
