May 10, 2021

The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) strongly condemns Israeli police violence against Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem. In recent days, Palestinians have rightly demonstrated against the planned evictions of families from the neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, while Israeli police have responded with brutality.

ISNA also condemns recent attacks perpetrated at the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque, where Palestinians have been terrorized by Israeli police. Rubber bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades have been used against peaceful worshippers and protestors, leaving hundreds of Palestinians injured and many hospitalized in recent days. Israeli forces have also lobbed tear gas and stun grenades into the sacred mosque itself with complete disregard for worshippers. These acts of brutality, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, deserve outright condemnation, and they must stop.

ISNA stands in solidarity with Palestinians peacefully protesting the ongoing theft of their land. We call on Israeli authorities to cease forced evictions as the international community is also calling for and end their military occupation.
ISNA President, Safaa Zarzour, calls on the Biden administration to intervene and cease all settlement activity and occupation of the Palestinian land.

The United States must uphold the values of human rights and religious freedom. ISNA calls on the international community to both uphold international law and help put an end to Israeli occupation and use of force against innocent civilians.