During a visit to Israel today, President Biden warmly embraced Netanyahu, expressed full support for the Israeli government’s ongoing attacks on Gaza, and failed to call for a ceasefire or condemn the ongoing killing of Palestinian civilians.

In a statement, USCMO Secretary-General Oussama Jammal said:

“President Biden’s visit could not have been more disastrous for prospects of a just and peaceful resolution to either the ongoing crisis and the longstanding injustice of the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

“By warmly embracing and strongly supporting Benjamin Netanyahu racist, far-right government, President Biden gave Israel a green light to continue openly committing against Palestinian civilians, including bombing apartment buildings, hospitals, marketplaces, mosques, schools, and UN-run shelters while maintaining a medieval siege of Gaza, threatening to ethnically cleanse northern half of the territory, and shooting Palestinian protesters in the West Bank.”

“It has now become clear that if the American people are going to convince the Biden administration to stop the Israeli government’s war crimes in Gaza, we will have to raise our voices more loudly together, across religious and racial lines.

“We applaud the Jewish-Americans, Palestinian-Americans, Muslim Americans and others who have been standing for justice at schools, protests, and in the halls of Congress. We encourage everyone who cares about justice for all to join us in Washington, DC on the National Mall this Saturday, Oct. 21st, to make our voices heard, from DC all the way to Gaza.”

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USCMO calls on President Biden to cancel his plans to stand alongside Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and endorse his government’s ongoing war crimes against Palestinians.

“President Biden’s support for the Israeli government’s indiscriminate mass bombing of Palestinians must end,” said Oussama Jammal, USCMO secretary general. “American Muslims and all people of conscience now call upon the President to repudiate the systematic Israeli mass slaughter of thousands of Palestinians, demand a ceasefire, and take steps to pursue a long-term peace by ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) immediately condemned the deadly Israeli strike on the full Gaza hospital, which it said was “operational with patients, health- and care-givers, and internally-displaced people sheltering there.”

USMCO, along with a rising tide of international and humanitarian organizations, calls upon the U.S. and global community of nations to intervene immediately to stop the blatant, ongoing indiscriminate slaughter of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and threats of ethnic cleansing.

Our nation cannot morally stand by while the far-right Israeli apartheid government under Benjamin Netanyahu uses U.S.-provided weapons to besiege, bomb and ethnically cleans Gaza. We cannot become complicit in this annihilation.

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USCMO calls on President Biden to cancel his plans to stand alongside Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and endorse his government’s ongoing war crimes against Palestinians.

“President Biden’s support for the Israeli government’s indiscriminate mass bombing of Palestinians must end,” said Oussama Jammal, USCMO secretary general. “American Muslims and all people of conscience now call upon the President to repudiate the systematic Israeli mass slaughter of thousands of Palestinians, demand a ceasefire, and take steps to pursue a long-term peace by ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) immediately condemned the deadly Israeli strike on the full Gaza hospital, which it said was “operational with patients, health- and care-givers, and internally-displaced people sheltering there.”

USMCO, along with a rising tide of international and humanitarian organizations, calls upon the U.S. and global community of nations to intervene immediately to stop the blatant, ongoing indiscriminate slaughter of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and threats of ethnic cleansing.

Our nation cannot morally stand by while the far-right Israeli apartheid government under Benjamin Netanyahu uses U.S.-provided weapons to besiege, bomb and ethnically cleans Gaza. We cannot become complicit in this annihilation.

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The silence surrounding these grave injustices is nothing short of complacency. It is our firm belief that justice is the cornerstone of lasting peace. No security measures can bring true peace in the absence of justice.

We call upon the United States government, which provides military, economic, financial, political, diplomatic, and limitless support to Israel, to exert pressure on the occupation regime to immediately cease these atrocities. It is evident that the longstanding policy of unbridled support for Israel has failed to bring peace to Israelis and Palestinians. To achieve stability in the region, a serious reevaluation of a fair and balanced policy is imperative.

Furthermore, we urge Arab and Muslim countries that have normalized relations with Israel to reconsider their approach in pursuit of peace and stability in the region. We must remember that the concept of “land for peace” has been long proposed, only to be ignored and dismissed by Israel, causing humiliation and disgrace to those who proposed it. Normalizing relations should never come at the expense of the Palestinian people’s rights to their lands. There can be no true peace that disregards the sanctity and Muslim rights of the Aqsa Mosque and Al-Quds Alshareef. These holy places belong to the 1.7 billion Muslims worldwide and should never be disregarded or dismissed. We hold the Muslim countries, individually and collectively, responsible for the safety and sanctity of Al-Quds and the holy places.

In solidarity with the Palestinian people and in the spirit of international justice, we call upon the United States government, Arab and Muslim governments, and the global community to exert maximum pressure on Israel to halt its provocations and adhere to international demands to respect Palestinian rights to their lands, properties, and lives. Only when these rights are recognized can genuine and lasting peace be achieved for all parties involved.

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The incident involved Armenian students and community members who expressed their objections to the timing of the conference, which coincided with the aftermath of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. USCMO views this attack as a serious violation of freedom of speech and blatant disrespect for differing opinions.

The protesters attacked Professor Ismail Demirezen, the Religious Attaché at the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles, and other consulate staff. The U.S. Diplomatic Security Unit and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) rushed to the scene and prevented further escalation. The attack resulted in injuries to the diplomats.

“We unequivocally condemn the attack on Turkish diplomats at the University of Southern California. It is essential that universities remain safe spaces for the exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives. Disagreement should be expressed through peaceful means and respectful discourse, not through acts of violence.” Said Oussama Jammal, Secretary General of USCMO. “We offer our support to Prof. Demirezen and his colleagues and pray for their recovery”.

USCMO calls on the university administration, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard the principles of free speech and academic freedom on campus. It is imperative that such incidents do not hinder the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, even in cases of deeply held disagreements.

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Our hearts go out to the affected families who are enduring the unimaginable loss and hardships caused by this natural disaster. In times like these, it is essential for us to come together as a community, both locally and globally, to extend our support and help to those in need.

USCMO is calling upon the Muslim American community and all compassionate individuals to join hands in providing aid and relief to the Moroccan earthquake victims. While many relief organizations are actively engaged in assisting the affected areas, USCMO encourages all to contribute to any reputable organization of their choice dedicated to helping those affected by the earthquake.

“The power of unity and compassion is boundless. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who have suffered so greatly,” said Oussama Jammal, Secretary General of USCMO. “Every contribution, no matter how small, can have a significant impact in alleviating the suffering of our fellow human beings.”

USCMO also urges the Muslim American community to offer prayers for the victims and their families, seeking solace and strength during these difficult times.

To donate and support the Moroccan earthquake victims, you can contribute to established relief organizations, such as Islamic Relief USA, Zakat Foundation, Helping Hands, UMR, Baitulmaal, Mercy Without Limits, UHR, Basmah, NAHAR, and others. Your generosity will help provide essential supplies, medical assistance, and shelter to those affected, giving them hope and support on their journey to recovery.

USCMO will continue to monitor the situation and work alongside its member organizations to provide assistance and support as needed. We thank everyone in advance for their compassion, generosity, and solidarity with the people of Morocco during this challenging period.

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On Wednesday, September 6, the USCMO delegation met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, extended congratulations to him and Turkish people for the nation’s most recent election, and again conveyed sincere condolences to the victims of the earthquake while praying for a swift recovery for the nation.

During the meeting, the USCMO delegation noted that Muslim Americans raised over $100 million in relief aid for earthquake victims and actively participating in other relief efforts. The delegation also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Turkish Embassy, Turkish Airlines, and Diyanet Center of America in facilitating the timely delivery of American relief materials to earthquake-affected areas.

The delegation expressed concern about the ongoing rise of Islamophobia, the disrespect of religions, and hate crimes against places of worship. Delegation members expressed particular concern about the plight of Palestinians, Uyghurs, Rohingya, Indian Muslims, and other victims of state oppression. The delegation emphasized the importance of addressing these issues collectively and called attention to the United Nations’ anti-hate resolution as a positive step toward combatting hate and intolerance worldwide.

Furthermore, the USCMO delegation took the opportunity to extend their gratitude to the Turkish government for its hospitality in hosting millions of Syrian refugees and providing them with essential care and shelter.

The exchange of youth programs and educational initiatives was encouraged to foster understanding and cooperation between Muslims in America and Türkiye. The meeting concluded with a symbolic exchange of gifts, followed by a gracious dinner at the presidential palace and visits to the Nation’s Library and the 15 July Democracy Museum, deepening cultural ties between American Muslims and Türkiye’s civil society.

In addition to the meeting with President Erdoğan, the USCMO delegation also had fruitful meetings with key Turkish officials, including Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, the President of Religious Affairs, where they learned about the services and programs offered by the Diyanet institutions worldwide. They also met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. They were briefed on the Syrian refugees and collaborative efforts to combat global Islamophobia.

The delegation later met with officials from the U.S. Embassy in Türkiye, briefing them on their visit and exploring opportunities for U.S. support in humanitarian efforts in Türkiye, student exchange programs, and leveraging the vibrant U.S. Muslim community to strengthen the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Türkiye.

The embassy officials commended the USCMO for its meaningful visit and for its ongoing efforts to foster goodwill and understanding between the two nations.

The USCMO delegation’s visit to Türkiye underscores the commitment of Muslim Americans to building bridges of friendship and cooperation on the international stage, and their dedication to promoting mutual understanding, peace, and humanitarian relief efforts worldwide.

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On Wednesday, September 6, the USCMO delegation met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, extended congratulations to him and Turkish people for the nation’s most recent election, and again conveyed sincere condolences to the victims of the earthquake while praying for a swift recovery for the nation.

During the meeting, the USCMO delegation noted that Muslim Americans raised over $100 million in relief aid for earthquake victims and actively participating in other relief efforts. The delegation also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Turkish Embassy, Turkish Airlines, and Diyanet Center of America in facilitating the timely delivery of American relief materials to earthquake-affected areas.

The delegation expressed concern about the ongoing rise of Islamophobia, the disrespect of religions, and hate crimes against places of worship. Delegation members expressed particular concern about the plight of Palestinians, Uyghurs, Rohingya, Indian Muslims, and other victims of state oppression. The delegation emphasized the importance of addressing these issues collectively and called attention to the United Nations’ anti-hate resolution as a positive step toward combatting hate and intolerance worldwide.

Furthermore, the USCMO delegation took the opportunity to extend their gratitude to the Turkish government for its hospitality in hosting millions of Syrian refugees and providing them with essential care and shelter.

The exchange of youth programs and educational initiatives was encouraged to foster understanding and cooperation between Muslims in America and Türkiye. The meeting concluded with a symbolic exchange of gifts, followed by a gracious dinner at the presidential palace and visits to the Nation’s Library and the 15 July Democracy Museum, deepening cultural ties between American Muslims and Türkiye’s civil society.

In addition to the meeting with President Erdoğan, the USCMO delegation also had fruitful meetings with key Turkish officials, including Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, the President of Religious Affairs, where they learned about the services and programs offered by the Diyanet institutions worldwide. They also met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. They were briefed on the Syrian refugees and collaborative efforts to combat global Islamophobia.

The delegation later met with officials from the U.S. Embassy in Türkiye, briefing them on their visit and exploring opportunities for U.S. support in humanitarian efforts in Türkiye, student exchange programs, and leveraging the vibrant U.S. Muslim community to strengthen the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Türkiye.

The embassy officials commended the USCMO for its meaningful visit and for its ongoing efforts to foster goodwill and understanding between the two nations.

The USCMO delegation’s visit to Türkiye underscores the commitment of Muslim Americans to building bridges of friendship and cooperation on the international stage, and their dedication to promoting mutual understanding, peace, and humanitarian relief efforts worldwide.

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demolition would certainly have come

to many hermitages, and churches, and synagogues, and mosques

in which the name of God is much mentioned in praise.

Nor shall you spread corruption in the earth

after it has been set aright by God.

—The Quran, 22:40

(Washington, D.C.; 8/16/2023) – The U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), the nation’s umbrella group of national, regional, and local Muslim associations, condemns the armed mob attacks on two Christian churches in Jaranwala, Pakistan, and Christian residents based on unverified accusations of Quran desecration.

We also call for the authorities to investigate those who exhorted protest (after the unverified claim that torn pages of the Quran with blasphemous comment inscribed on them were found near the Christian colony).

“Pakistan’s officials must quell lawless mob action and ensure blasphemy laws do not excuse vigilante attacks on religious minorities and their places of worship,” said Oussama Jammal, USCMO’s secretary general.

“Islam forbids all such action as a grave sin and empowers Muslim authorities to punish its instigation,” he said.

The Faisalabad district mob violence against the churches and Christian residents, with reports of Bible desecrations, comes in the wake of the recent rash of high-profile, government licensed and police-protected Quran burnings in Sweden and Denmark, and spreading in Europe.

We call on Pakistan’s government officials to reign in public abuse of its blasphemy laws.

Historically, Muslim scholars and authorities only reluctantly applied blasphemy laws in rare cases, owing to their potential for abuse against vulnerable populations, and because, uncontrolled, they can be used by political operators, within and without, to incite sectarian division in society.

We urge Pakistan’s Islamic scholars to condemn blasphemy vigilante actions and educate people on its abuse.

We sincerely condole the victims of these un-Islamic mob actions.

Damaged institutions and property owners should receive proper compensation and vulnerable protection.

Muslims well understand the frightening injustice and escalating traumas and violence that such bigotry unleashed inflict on vulnerable people, and we must stand firmly against it.

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(Washington D.C., 8/3/2023) – The U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), the nation’s umbrella group of national, regional, and local Muslim associations, strongly condemns the savage mob mosque-murder of 19-year-old scholar Maulana Saad and the torching of the Anjuman Jama mosque, where he served as an imam, on August 1.

President Narendra Modi’s ruling extremist Hindu nationalist RJP party has cynically incited anti-Muslim pogroms in the city of Gurugram outside of New Delhi and across India as part of a virulently chauvinist Hindutva identity campaign, strategically scapegoating Muslims, and Christians, in contested districts, before the expected April 2024 general elections.

A rampaging horde of at least 50 mostly young extremists, aligned with Modi’s governing ultra-right Hindutva Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) reportedly set fire to mosques, destroyed Muslim businesses, and beat Muslims in their increasingly aggressive demand to outlaw Islam’s Friday Congregational prayers.

“Every major humanitarian watchdog agency in the world has been flagging India for years as among the likeliest ruling parties to carry out a genocide, specifically against Muslims,” said Oussama Jammal, Secretary General of the US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), the largest umbrella group of Muslim organizations in America. “I think we’re no longer in the ground-laying stage. We now stand on the threshold of a genocide too catastrophic even to imagine.”

India’s 214 million Muslims total just under 15 percent of India’s 1.4 billion people, with Hindus comprising nearly 79 percent. These staggering numbers and profound disparity have set Modi and India up to dwarf the evil of Hitler and Nazism, an ideology on which the Hindutva movement and its Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ultra-nationalist Hindu movement – whose political wing is the current ruling BJP – directly and self-referentially based itself.

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s March 2022 announcements and recent analysis warned:

“India ranks second in this year’s Early Warning Project Statistical Risk Assessment, marking its highest risk and rank to date. For four of the last five years, India has ranked in the top 15 highest-risk countries in the world.”

“The international community can wait no longer,” said Jammal. “It must confront, intervene, and directly block Modi, the BJP, and the RSS and their impending Muslim genocide.”

In light of this grave danger, USCMO leaders call for the following:

1. The Biden Administration and U.S. Department of State, and the international community must demand that India prosecute and punish all perpetrators of violence against minority communities using the highest political and economic leverages available to these governments, as they have done with Russia regarding Ukraine.

2. The international community should formally commence judicial action against India’s BJP and its officials in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and all appropriate international judicial forums to hold it accountable for crimes of mass persecution of minorities regarding:

a. Its 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) that specifically and exclusively disenfranchises Muslims apart from all other minority groups in India.

b. Its illegal forced revocation of Kashmir’s autonomy and its announced plan to forcibly remove its Muslim majority.

c. The Indian government’s covert formation and endorsement of militias and paramilitary groups to commit mob violence with impunity – in the name of forced mosque destruction and replacement with Hindu gurudwara temples, banning of Muslim religious rights such as Friday Congregational Prayer, Eid Al-Adhah rituals of sacrifice, and widespread so-called “cow vigilantism” preventing Halal slaughter.

d. The international community should create judiciary monitoring agencies of human rights for Dalits, the “defiling” under-caste in the Hindu caste system, and Christians who are currently being massively persecuted and women gang-raped in the northeast state of Manipur.

3. The international community should hold India’s BJP accountable for restoring media and judiciary independence and freedom from journalist prosecution for critical reporting and requiring India’s BJP to institute judiciary safeguards against its increased politicization,

4. The U.S. and EU in particular must create specific agencies for reporting on India’s human atrocities with set political and economic punishments set in place for violations and failings to prevent and prosecute, with all levels of trade, security, and political partnerships at stake. The U.S. must cease basing its foreign policy with India almost exclusively on counterbalancing China. The Biden Administration must carry through on its promise to set its foreign policy with all nations, including India, on human rights performance.

We pray that God grant Maulana Saad admission to Paradise as a martyr, and that He console his family, and that He blesses all the murdered at the hands of Hindu nationalists the same. We ask God to protect India’s Muslims, Christians, and other persecuted minorities from every harm and that He send them a champion of their rights and security.

We urge the nations of the world to act now to prevent the massive genocide of Muslims rising in India.

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