(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 8/17/2026) — The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for accountability for the Israeli government’s detention of Pennsylvania resident and U.S. citizen Hussein Jabarin, who was held without charge or explanation for days before his reported release on Sunday.
Jabarin, a 46-year-old American citizen with ties to Pennsylvania, was reportedly detained during an Israeli raid on his family home in Tuqu’, in the occupied West Bank, on August 12. He remained in detention for several days without his family receiving a clear explanation or information about any charges against him before his reported release Sunday.
CAIR-Philadelphia is seeking that accountability for Jabarin’s detention and urging the U.S. government and Pennsylvania’s elected officials to defend the rights of American citizens, regardless of their background or where they are detained.
CAIR-Philadelphia welcomes Jabarin’s reported release but stressed that his detention without charge or explanation remains deeply troubling and warrants accountability.
Jabarin is expected to arrive in Pennsylvania in the upcoming days.
“The detention of an American citizen for days without charge, explanation or due process should concern every American,” said Ahmet Tekelioglu, Executive Director of CAIR-Philadelphia. “The United States government has a responsibility to defend the rights and dignity of all of its citizens. That responsibility cannot depend on their religion, ethnicity, political views or whether they are detained by an ally or an adversary.”
CAIR-Philadelphia is particularly concerned by what it sees as a lack of public response from Pennsylvania lawmakers regarding the detention of one of their constituents.
“Our communities, our organizing, our Philadelphia won today. This makes me hopeful for a better future.” said Jude Husein, Philadelphia American activist and civic leader, whose family has been directly affected by Jabarin’s detention. “I am proud of the hundreds and thousands of people we have touched locally and nationally through our advocacy, and this is just the start.”
“Pennsylvania lawmakers should engage in some serious soul-searching about what it means to represent their constituents,” Tekelioglu said. “When a Pennsylvania U.S. citizen can be detained by a foreign government without charge and for days without meaningful explanation, where is the urgency from the people elected to represent him? Defending American citizens should not be selective.”
CAIR-Philadelphia notes that U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan has publicly raised concerns about Jabarin’s detention, while the organization has seen comparatively little public response from Pennsylvania lawmakers.
CAIR-Philadelphia called on the U.S. State Department to vigorously defend Jabarin’s rights and seek a full accounting of the circumstances surrounding his detention. The organization also urges Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation to publicly demand transparency and accountability whenever Pennsylvania constituents are detained without charge or due process abroad.
“American citizenship must mean something,” Tekelioglu said. “Our government should defend Americans wherever they are and whoever they are. We urge Pennsylvania’s elected officials to ask themselves whether they have done enough to defend one of their own constituents—and, if not, why.”
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 atekelioglu@cair.com; 617-401-5397.
