Remembering the Sabra and Shatila Massacre 35 Years Ago Today
WASHINGTON DC--09/16/2017
Tonight marks 35 years since Israel shot flares into the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in Lebanon and orchestrated a three-day massacre that claimed the lives of thousands of mostly Palestinian and Lebanese civilians. While surrounding the camps to prevent any escape, Israeli forces illuminated the dark and narrow alleyways for a right-wing Lebanese Christian Phalangist militia to carry out the rape, murder, and mutilation of between 1,300 and 3,500 people.
Through proxies, then-defense minister Ariel Sharon fulfilled his promise to U.S. special envoy Morris Draper that, “[Israel] will kill them. They will not be left there. You are not going to save them,” despite an earlier pledge by the U.S. to protect the inhabitants of the camps.
As we continue to mourn the victims of this notorious war crime, we recognize this incident as part of Israel’s long, violent history that predates its creation, and whose racist foundations are built on ethnic cleansing, theft, and dispossession. The massacre of Sabra and Shatila is equally symbolic in revealing the extent of collusion between Israel and the U.S., whose biased foreign policy has repeatedly failed the Palestinian people, destabilized the entire Middle East, and continues to threaten U.S national interests and undermine its standing worldwide.
From Lebanon to Gaza to the West Bank and Jerusalem and to all of historical Palestine, American Muslims for Palestine calls upon the global community to demand justice for all victims of Israeli brutality and crimes against humanity. AMP further demands that the U.S. ends its unconditional diplomatic, political, and financial support of Israel and becomes an honest broker of peace in the region.
To honor the victims of Sabra and Shatila, as well as all those who are suffering today under Israeli occupation, learn more about the massacre and educate a friend.
Please join us in November for AMP’s 10th Annual Convention for Palestine in the U.S., as we solemnly mark another historical moment, “100 Years Since Balfour”. The Balfour Declaration represents 100 years of colonization and repression against the Palestinian people. This year's AMP conference explores the devastating impact that this infamous letter continues to have on Palestinians today. Join us to hear notable speakers like Mustafa Barghouti, Rima Khalaf, Rabab Abdulhadi, Hatem Bazian, and many more. Go to http://www.
American Muslims for Palestine is a national organization whose mission is to educate the American public and media about issues relating to Palestine and its rich cultural heritage. AMP is committed to upholding the principles of freedom, equality, and self-determination for all people through peaceful advocacy, education, and grassroots mobilization.