AMJ, CAIR, and CNI Hold Press Conference to Condemn Israeli Massacre in Rafah

AMJ, CAIR, and CNI Hold Press Conference to Condemn Israeli Massacre in Rafah
from AMJ
MAY 19, 2004

(Washington, DC) – American Muslims for Jerusalem (AMJ) joined the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Council for the National Interest (CNI) at a press conference this afternoon to offer reactions to Israel's week-long assault on the Palestinians of the Gaza Strip. The press event was held at CAIR's national headquarters on Capitol Hill.

AMJ communications director Raeed N. Tayeh blasted President Bush for his failure to condemn today's military assault on peaceful protesters, which resulted in the death of nearly two dozen Palestinians, many of whom were women and children, and the maiming of scores more. "When Israelis, both soldiers and civilians, are killed, the president condemns it, offers his condolences, and expresses his sympathies, but when innocent Palestinians are killed the president is silent," said Tayeh.

CAIR executive director Nihad Awad urged the Bush administration to support a UN Security Council resolution that is being drafted to condemn Israeli war crimes. "America's image in the Muslim world will never improve until we put forward foreign
policies that apply one standard of justice for all nations, not just for those that have a powerful domestic lobby," said a statement read in part by Awad.

CNI president and retired diplomat Eugene Byrd emphasized the need for Israel to leave the occupied territories, and warned of the serious consequences of our failed policies in the region.

AMJ is urging concerned Americans to contact their members of Congress to express their outrage at the lack of our government's condemnation of Israel's crimes. To view AMJ's latest Action Alert, visit www.amjerusalem.org.