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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR-NY Urges Sens. Gillibrand, Schumer to Stop Supporting Attacks on Palestinians

(NEW YORK, NY 11/20/12) — Today the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) urged all people of conscience to call the offices of SenatorsKirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to demand they stop ignoring Palestinians while pandering to pro-Israel interests.

ACTION ALERT: Senator Gillibrand Supports Israel Attacks on Gaza

CAIR-NY sent an open letter to the Senate offices in response to a Senate Resolution (S. Res. 599) cosponsored and passed on November 16, 2012, which does not mention the Palestinian people. Instead the letter emphasizes unequivocal support for Israel's military actions.

SEE: Resolution Supporting Israel Passes US Senate

"We will no longer allow our elected officials to pander to special and political interests while ignoring the basic human rights that we promote as Americans, nor while ignoring the concerns of their American constituents," said CAIR-NY Executive Director Muneer Awad.

The open letter sent by CAIR-NY reads in part:

"As Americans, we should condemn all attacks against all civilians—not just Israeli civilians. Your constituents do not endorse the collective punishment, economic starvation, and indiscriminate killing of the men, women, and children of Palestine; and neither should you."

Read the entire letter here.

CAIR-NY is also asking community members to call and email the offices of Gillibrand and Schumer to express their disappointment in S. Res. 599.

New York is home to one of the nation's largest Palestinian-American communities. New York has been the host of rallies in Times Square and at the Israeli Consulate by groups disappointed with America's support of Israeli strikes on Palestinians living in Gaza.

CAIR-NY is a chapter of America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR-NY Executive Director Muneer Awad, 347-296-7966, E-Mail:mawad@cair.com

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