(Atlanta, GA, Nov 2, 2023) – The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Georgia) and more than 35 Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Quaker representatives who have organized themselves as Atlanta Interfaith Coalition for Palestine held a press conference today to call on elected officials to press for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza. The Coalition also released a statement with over 45 endorsements from faith leaders across the metro Atlanta area.
Read the full statement here: Statement from the Atlanta Interfaith Coalition for Palestine – CAIR Georgia
Azka Mahmood, CAIR-Georgia Executive Director said in her opening remarks:
“I am joined here today with my Abrahamic brothers and sisters, on stolen Muscogee land, to deliver an unequivocal and urgent message to our elected officials and those who represent Georgians in the halls of power. This message is for people we have elected to serve Georgians and reflect the will of Georgians in policy making: we have had enough inaction as the world around us burns and hundreds of Palestinians die each day.”
Livestream: https://fb.watch/o3Mklu_o_d/
Reverend Fahed ABuAkel, Palestinian Presbyterian Minister said: “Jesus said, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
Ilise Cohen, co-founder of the Jewish Voice for Peace – Atlanta chapter shared:
“Members of Atlanta’s Jewish community call for an immediate ceasefire in the escalating siege on Gaza. We will not allow our government and the government of Israel to twist our grief to justify this terrorizing and dehumanizing campaign of genocidal violence against the Palestinian people. We must not forget our shared humanity in times of unspeakable loss. We know all too well the consequences of blind violence, and it is this that compels us to say: never again. Never again for anyone. Never again, and not in our name.”
Speakers at the press conference called for a ceasefire and end to apartheid in Palestine and Israel. Speakers included Reverend Tim McDonald of First Iconium Baptist Church and Reverend Daryll Winston of Greater Works Assembly representing Concerned Black Clergy, Jacob Flowers from American Friends Service Committee, Representative Ruwa Romman, Ayeola Omolara Kaplan from ATL Jews Against Genocide, and Episcopal priest Reverend Emilee Walker-Cornetta.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
END
CONTACT: CAIR-Georgia Executive Director Azka Mahmood, [email protected], 678 653 5822; Rev. Tim Mcdonald, Concerned Black Clergy, [email protected]; Connie Sosnoff, Jewish Voice for Peace, [email protected], American Friends Service Committee Jacob Flowers, [email protected]; Rev. Daryll Winston, Save Our City Coalition, [email protected]