May 15, 2021
ISLAMIC COUNCIL OF NEW ENGLAND
CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON ALL PALESTINIAN CIVILIANS
The members of the Islamic Council of New England (ICNE) deplore the excessive escalation of violence perpetrated by the State of Israel and the reckless killing and harming of hundreds of innocent Palestinian civilians.
As Muslims we are commanded by God, the Almighty; “Do not argue with the People of Book unless gracefully, except with those who act wrongfully … Our God and your God is One. And to Him we submit (‘The Spider,’ 29:46).” As Muslims, we remind ourselves that there is only One God over all of us and we rely on God’s Mercy and Guidance. As Muslims, we have tried countless times to bear aggression with patience and to forgive. But we are now facing those who are acting wrongfully, beyond reason.
God foretold the children of Israel, “we took your covenant that you would neither shed each other’s blood nor expel each other from their homes, you gave your pledge and bore witness. But here you are killing each other and expelling some of your people from their homes, aiding one another in sin and aggression … (‘The Cow,’ 2:84-85).”
We remind our readers all members of the United Nations have agreed to the principles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, articles of which state “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth … (2) regardless of political status; (12) No one should be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family or home; (17) No one should be arbitrarily deprived of his property; (18) Everyone has the right to manifest his religion in … worship and observance; and (20) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly.”
The recent attacks by the State of Israel against Palestinians in their homes, in the Al Aqsa Mosque, a sacred place of worship during a month holy to Muslims, and the indiscriminate bombings in Gaza constitute a serious breach of covenant, and a grave violation of human rights. The attacks are disproportionate to the response from any Palestinian attempting to defend his or her rights. No ‘provocation’ by any Palestinian justifies the wanton destruction of lives and property. We ask members of all faiths to call on the State of Israel desist from its aggressive acts against the meanly marginalized and unjustly disenfranchised Palestinian people.
We pray for justice and fairness, for healing and solidarity to bring us together as people. We must not be divided in hatred and recrimination. May God give us strength and guide us all.
The Islamic Council of New England (ICNE) is an umbrella organization with the mission to facilitate communication, cooperation and coordination amongst New England’s Islamic centers and organizations. ICNE 7 San Souci Drive, South Hadley, MA 01075 www.islamiccouncilne.org