AMP thanks Shura Council for adopting BDS

BDS upholds the simple principle that Palestinians are entitled to the same rights as the rest of humanity and asks people and institutions to call for the Boycott of those who participate in and benefit from Israeli occupation of Palestine. Hundreds of Churches, Academic Institutions, and Civil Society Organizations across the U.S. have adopted BDS, today we join them in standing for justice and equality.

The American Muslims for Palestine hails the Islamic Leadership Council of New York for taking this principled stance. The first such Shura Council to do so. Our letter of thanks is below. 

Dr. Abdel-Hafid Djemil, President
Islamic Leadership Council of New York
c/o 88-29 161st Street.
Jamaica, NY 11432
 
January 24, 2017
 
Dear Dr. Djemil:
 
On behalf of the American Muslims for Palestine, a national education organization, I thank you and the House of Representatives of Majlis Ashura for adopting the Palestinian call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions. As you are aware, BDS is a peaceful tool in advancing Palestinian liberty and human rights in the absence of the global community’s will to hold Israel accountable for its continual violations of international and American laws.
 
Your statement set clear and unequivocal reasons for joining the hundreds of churches, academic institutions, organizations and civil society groups that refuse to engage with entities that benefit from Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands. You also clearly tied BDS to the Quranic call to uphold justice and to fight oppression; and you express that Palestinians are as deserving of their rights as the rest of humanity. We are grateful Majlis Ashura took a public stance on BDS and we believe this will go a long way in encouraging other Muslim organizations to do the same, inshaAllah.
 
AMP is especially pleased your statement made the connection between the institutions supporting the Israeli occupation and the spread of Islamophobia in the United States. This is an important message our communities need to hear.
 
Thank you for taking this principled and bold stance on behalf of justice, freedom and Palestinian rights. We are here to support you in any way, including helping educate the membership and congregations of your member organizations on BDS and the Israeli occupation.
 
May Allah SWT continue to bless and reward you for all your important work.
 
Sincerely,
 
Dr. Hatem Bazian, Chairman
American Muslims for Palestine
 
cc: Executive Director Cheikh Ahmed Mbareck