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In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful
Saturday, May 22, 2021
SALAM Islamic Center Condemns Al-Aqsa Attacks by Israeli Forces
The SALAM community is deeply disturbed and saddened by recent developments in Palestine, particularly by recent large-scale attacks in Jerusalem (Al-Quds) against Palestinian Muslim worshippers in Al-Aqsa Mosque. Al-Aqsa is one of the three holiest sites for Muslims around the world and the first direction of worship (Qibla) established by God.
Earlier this month, Palestinian protestors at Al-Aqsa Mosque expressing support for Palestinian natives facing expulsion from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in Jerusalem (Al-Quds) were met with violent Israeli forces storming the mosque, killing and injuring many worshippers. This happened as Palestinian Muslims were participating in the remaining days of the Holy Month of Ramadan and preparing for the joyous day of Eid ul-Fitr.
Despite an agreed-upon ceasefire starting Friday, May 21, 2021, Israeli Military Forces continue to attack Muslim worshippers at Al-Aqsa during Friday (Jumuah) prayers, a holy day.
Violence and oppression have no place in any place of worship, especially not in a place that is considered holy in all Abrahamic faiths. As Muslims, we are commanded to enjoin what is good and just and stand against what is evil and oppressive.
On behalf of the SALAM Muslim Community, we condemn the use of violence by the Israeli Military and settlers against civilians in Jerusalem. We call for the halt of all illegal settlements and blockades that prevent Palestinians of all faiths from carrying out their daily lives in peace.
We call for our president to support peace negotiations that acknowledge a Palestinian state in which Palestinians can live safely and have the same human rights as their Israeli counterparts.
We call for our interfaith community partners to join us in our call for making Jerusalem (Al-Quds) a free city open for all religions to worship God peacefully and without restrictions and to stand against the violence committed against innocent Palestinians.
In Solidarity,
SALAM Islamic Center Leadership
