Press Release:

50+ Maryland Imams, Islamic Scholars Issue Open Letter Thanking Sen. Van Hollen for Principled Position on Palestine, Urging Support for UNRWA, End to U.S. Military Aid for Israel

(BALTIMORE, Md., 3/27/2024) – The Maryland office of the Council on American Islamic Relations joined the Islamic Maryland Action Network today in releasing an open letter signed by over 50 imams and Islamic scholars in Maryland to U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) thanking him for his principled voice on Palestine and urging him to increase efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, end U.S. military aid to Israel and work towards a fair and lasting peace in the Middle East.

READ LETTER: https://bit.ly/imanletter

The letter reads in part:

“As you well know, the war on Gaza has led to significant loss of life, suffering, and displacement among the Palestinian people. The humanitarian situation in Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories requires urgent attention and action from the international community.

Here in Maryland, hundreds of our congregants have lost several members of their families. They have no pause in their grief as everyday more people are losing their lives. Ramadan is not the same this year for so many of our communities. The increased Islamophobia has impacted students, teachers and many of community members who dare speak up about their support for Palestine at work. We are at a loss as the sin of paying for these massacres with our tax money weighs heavy on our hearts.

We firmly believe that peace can only be achieved through justice and mutual respect. It is essential to address the root causes of the conflict and work towards a solution that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals involved, regardless of their religion or nationality.

As we fast for Ramadan, we are deeply concerned by reports of restrictions on humanitarian aid and the impact of the blockade on Gaza, which has exacerbated the suffering of its residents. Access to food, clean water, medical care, and education is a fundamental human right, and we urge you to advocate for the lifting of restrictions that prevent the delivery of essential services and supplies to those in need.

In response to the ongoing crisis, UNRWA has been actively seeking additional funds to support its humanitarian efforts. For instance, UNRWA recently called for $104 million to address the urgent food, health, and emergency needs of up to 250,000 persons seeking shelter and assistance in Gaza​​. This appeal underscores the critical need for international support to ensure the well-being of Palestinian refugees amid escalating violence and the dire humanitarian situation.

Thank you for speaking the truth about the lies against UNRWA. The United States must reinstate their agreement with UNRWA, reaffirming shared goals and priorities, including the principle of neutrality just as the European Union has. The international community, including leaders like you, Senator Van Hollen, recognize the critical role of UNRWA and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, and must continue advocating in the most effective way possible for increased humanitarian aid and a concerted effort towards a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and dignity of all parties involved.

Senator Van Hollen, as a respected leader and a voice for Maryland in the Senate, you have the capacity to influence U.S. foreign policy and to advocate for the values of justice, human rights, and peace. We implore you to continue to use your position to support drastic efforts that aim to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and to contribute to the establishment of lasting peace in the Middle East.

We pray for your wisdom and courage in addressing these challenges. May you be guided by the principles of compassion and justice as you work to support the rights and dignity of all people, including the Palestinians.”

The Islamic Maryland Action Network (IMAN) is a recently formed statewide crisis response working group that represents over 350,000 Muslims in the state. Members include over two dozen mosques and Muslim organizations including the Maryland office of CAIR, Justice for All, ICNA Relief, MAS-MD and others.

SEE: IMAN Network

https://www.imanaction.org/

The IMAN Network’s mission is to “foster a coordinated, compassionate, and effective response to crises, uniting diverse Muslim communities” across the state.

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.

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CONTACT: IMAN Co-Founder Hena Zuberi, hena@imanaction.org, CAIR Maryland Director and IMAN Co-Founder Zainab Chaudry, zainab@imanaction.org, 410-971-6062; IMAN Co-Founder Samya Mohammed, samya@imanaction.org

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