Dear friends,
As an organization founded on the principles of humanitarianism, equity and inclusion, ACCESS and its four national institutions — CAAP, NNAAC, AANM and CAN — are horrified and deeply troubled at the blatant double standard in the rhetoric surrounding the unfolding genocide and horrific suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza. We mourn the deaths of all civilian lives, but the silence around the killing of innocent Palestinians in U.S. media and among the majority of our elected officials is unconscionable. In addition, this rhetoric directed at our communities during this most difficult time has led to a major rise in anti-Arab sentiment and Islamophobia in our nation.
What is equally devastating and disturbing is the vicious backlash against individuals and groups who dare to express empathy for, or to even acknowledge, the magnitude of human suffering and horror inflicted on innocent Palestinian civilians. We implore our allies, partner organizations, our elected officials and community leaders to unify their voices and to be courageous in condemning these horrific actions, asking for an immediate ceasefire and defending the right to free speech.
Love,
Maha
Maha Freij
President & CEO
ACCESS
Connect with us | ACCESS |Arab American National Museum | Center for Arab American Philanthropy | National Network for Arab American Communities
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