Pro-Palestinian advocates gathered in Paterson on Thursday to demand the Biden administration use its political influence with Israel and urge a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
“Enough is enough,” said CAIR New Jersey Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed. “We need our Congress members and elected officials across the state to take a principled stand, to listen to their constituents and heed their call.”
Searing images of death and destruction have inflamed both sides after Hamas attacked and slaughtered Israelis on Oct. 7. Israeli Defense Forces counter-attacked, pounding Gaza with deadly airstrikes and till now blocking deliveries of food, water and medicine in an ongoing massacre. Humanitarian aid can barely get through.
“The situation for Palestinians in Gaza right now is dire,” said Wassim Kanaan, chairman of American Muslims for Palestine New Jersey. “Israel has indiscriminately dropped bombs without reprieve. And it’s been a full siege on Gaza for 13 days. Tragically, over 3,500 Palestinians have been murdered.”
The group gathered in Paterson called on Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9th) to sign the Ceasefire Now Resolution co-sponsored by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12th). It urges President Biden to facilitate a ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
CAIR-New Jersey’s Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said, “Your district is home to one of the largest Palestinian communities in the nation — the largest Muslim community in the state. And you are silent on the suffering of Palestinians overseas and here.”
Pascrell wasn’t available to comment.
Biden seemingly scored some diplomatic results during his visit with Israeli government officials Wednesday, saying he convinced them “to agree to the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, based on the understanding there’ll be inspections and the aid should go to civilians — not Hamas.” Some 20 trucks could arrive in Gaza from Egypt starting Friday.
The president did not call for a ceasefire and he did urge Israel to seek justice. “But I caution you,” Biden said, “While you feel that rage, don’t be consumed by it. After 9/11, we were enraged in the U.S. While we sought and got justice, we also made mistakes.”
A spokesperson for Rep. Donald Norcross (D-1st) said, “Rep. Norcross will continue to support Israel … Israel has a right to defend itself and Hamas must be defeated within the law of armed conflict.”
Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th) won’t sign the measure, nor will Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8th). A spokesperson for the congressman says he believes that “…prior to the discussion of an Israeli ceasefire, Hamas must return all Israeli and American hostages and immediately end all terrorist activities against the state of Israel.”
There’s been no rush by other New Jersey representatives to sign the ceasefire resolution. Biden will discuss sending more foreign aid to Israel and Ukraine when he addresses the nation Thursday night.
