November 20, 2023
Plainfield, Indiana
Israeli strikes continue in Gaza as we write this statement. More than 13,000 precious lives, most of
them women and children, have been lost as the Israeli strikes enter their seventh week. The Islamic
Society of North America (ISNA) strongly condemns these strikes and is deeply disturbed by the loss
of innocent lives in Gaza and Israel. ISNA is extremely disturbed by the disproportionate Israeli strikes
and remains deeply disappointed by the Biden administration’s lack of empathy and concern for the
Palestinian people. There has been displacement of over a million Gazans and the wanton destruction
of countless homes, mosques, and hospitals. The United States government has refused to exert any
meaningful pressure on Israel to cease its war on an innocent and defenseless population. As a country,
we have failed to restore America’s moral leadership on the world stage, which was a promise made at
the outset of President Biden’s term.
While ISNA appreciates President Biden’s response to the alarming rise of Islamophobia and anti-
Semitism, we believe he has a responsibility to do much more in this ongoing crisis.
The Biden administration should call for a humanitarian ceasefire, immediately suspend all military
support for Israel, and continue its efforts to free all hostages held by Hamas. Also, given the targeting
of pro-Palestinian activists and student groups on university campuses in America, President Biden
should protect and support the right of activists to peacefully protest around the country without fear of
retribution. No American should live in fear of losing their job, not finding employment, or being
silenced at a university for exercising their constitutional right to assemble and protest peacefully.
These actions, we believe, can go a long way in reassuring our community and all those who are
concerned about the horrific and deteriorating situation in Gaza. We cannot wait anymore or sit idly by
as our nation continues to endorse unimaginable pain and suffering against the innocent people of
Gaza. The time for action is now. ISNA commends the UN Security Council’s adoption of resolution
2712, calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors in Gaza to allow full and rapid
access for UN agencies and partners.
October 8, 2023
Plainfield, Indiana
The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is deeply saddened by the recent outbreak of war and violence in the Holy Land and Gaza, resulting in the loss of life of hundreds and injury to thousands. ISNA calls for an immediate end to the violence, and we stand in deep solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Palestine, who are now witnessing heavy and extensive bombardment of their towns and cities in Gaza.
Furthermore, we call on the international community to uphold its duty under the United Nations charter and aim to bring peace and stability to a conflict that has been raging for decades. We also urge the United States to reconsider its one-sided and unconditional support for Israel, which enables the latter to maintain its occupation and apartheid system with impunity. These systems of occupation and apartheid, which the Israeli government defends and has maintained for decades, are clear and egregious violations of international law and stand in sharp contrast to the values of life, liberty, and freedom that we, as Americans, hold dear.
It is unacceptable for us to discuss this conflict while ignoring the root cause of this ongoing crisis, which is the daily and systematic oppression and persecution of millions of Palestinians in their homeland. One cannot expect a way forward without addressing the ongoing blockade of Gaza, the occupation of Palestinian land and property, and the daily human rights abuses perpetrated by Israeli
authorities.
We stand in deep solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters during this time, and we call on all parties and governments around the world to exert pressure on Israel to cease its violence and war on the Palestinian people.
On October 29, 2023, ISNA held a webinar in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Gaza, discussing
the ongoing crisis and ways we as a community can come together and make a difference.
October 17, 2023
Plainfield, Indiana
The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is shocked and deeply saddened by the brutal murder of 6-
year-old Palestinian-American Wadea Al-Fayoume and the attempted murder of his mother, Hanaan
Shahin. Both were targeted and stabbed multiple times in what authorities have determined to be a hate
crime. This violence is the result of bigotry, hate, and ignorance. The man accused has now been charged
with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of a hate crime, and aggravated
battery with a deadly weapon.
ISNA strongly condemns this chilling and twisted act of anti-Muslim hatred, which comes amidst the
backdrop of the current war and turmoil in Gaza. In a statement released by the Will County Sheriff’s
office, authorities said the two Palestinian Americans were attacked “due to them being Muslim and the
ongoing Middle Eastern conflict involving Hamas and the Israelis.”
Public leaders and officials across the country have also joined in to denounce the attack, and we echo
their sentiments. President Biden, in his statement, said that “as Americans, we must come together and
reject Islamophobia and all forms of bigotry and hatred. I have said repeatedly that I will not be silent in
the face of hate.”
ISNA President Safaa Zarzour said, “There is no justification for this senseless, hateful murder. It should
serve as a wake-up call to our society that dehumanizing entire people has terrible consequences.” ISNA
President Safaa Zarzour and Vice President Kareem Irfan attended the funeral of Wadea. We pray for
Wadea Al-Fayoume and ask God to give solace and comfort to his family.
ISNA applauds statements by President Biden, Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker, and others condemning
this violence and hateful crime.
