Canadian Imams Show Solidarity as 583 Palestinian Children Killed
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October 13th, 2023
Amid the ongoing attacks by the Israeli military in Gaza, which have brutally claimed the lives of nearly 600 children, today, the Canadian Muslim community came together in a nationwide dua (supplication) during Friday Jummah prayers (congregation). Over 200 Imams led this act of solidarity, with the aim of supporting the Palestinian people who are enduring immense suffering in the face of relentless violence. This community initiative was co-organized by Justice For All Canada and the Canadian Council of Imams (CCI).
Muslims in Canada and people of conscience from all backgrounds stand united in our demand for a peaceful resolution to this conflict and an end to the ethnic cleansing of innocent Palestinian civilians, particularly entire families and children. We urge Canadian and world leaders to prioritize protecting all human lives and pursue justice to resolve this crisis.
In a news release from Global Affairs Canada, the government reaffirmed support for Israel’s “right to defend itself” while announcing Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly’s travel plans to Greece, Israel and Jordan. This language from top Canadian officials, especially during the targeted assault against Palestinians, is a form of tacit approval that normalizes support for the violence and inevitable exodus of Palestinians from their homes and land.
Justice For All Canada notes that the government's troubling statement omits any mention of the validity of Palestinian resistance to the violence, given the blatant assault they are facing.
“Today, our community is in deep pain. As we anticipate a stronger response from our leaders, Muslims across Canada are let down by the unequal response from the Canadian government, indicating that some lives are worth protection than others," said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director.
PALESTINIAN CHILDREN
The ongoing conflict highlights the distressing reality of how vulnerable Palestinian groups, particularly children, are frequently embroiled in the midst of violence inflicted by Israeli military authorities. Israel’s apartheid state has one of the world's highest rates of Palestinian juvenile incarceration. These young lives, filled with potential and aspirations, are currently facing the harrowing ordeal of witnessing their homes reduced to rubble, their schools destroyed, and their communities torn apart. The trauma inflicted on Palestinian youth during these conflicts can leave deep and lasting scars, hampering their physical and emotional well-being and robbing them of the childhood they deserve.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The Israeli army recently issued warnings to Palestinian civilians north of the besieged Gaza Strip, advising them to evacuate before an anticipated ground offensive. Thousands have already moved to the south of Gaza in response to these warnings. The United Nations has denounced the feasibility of such relocations, deeming it "impossible" as food, electricity, and fuel have become scarce.
Despite the Canadian government pledging $10M in humanitarian assistance to Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the staggering number of Palestinian casualties underscores the indiscriminate nature of Israel’s attacks, amounting to collective punishment and a clear violation of international law, with a devastating impact on civilians and children.
Justice For All Canada, a human rights organization with a focus on genocide prevention, extends its deepest condolences to all those affected by this escalating violence. We call on the Canadian government to take swift and decisive action to support a ceasefire and protect human rights for all in the region.
NEXT STEPS
Amid the ongoing attacks by the Israeli military in Gaza, which have brutally claimed the lives of nearly 600 children, today, the Canadian Muslim community came together in a nationwide dua (supplication) during Friday Jummah prayers (congregation). Over 200 Imams led this act of solidarity, with the aim of supporting the Palestinian people who are enduring immense suffering in the face of relentless violence. This community initiative was co-organized by Justice For All Canada and the Canadian Council of Imams (CCI).
Muslims in Canada and people of conscience from all backgrounds stand united in our demand for a peaceful resolution to this conflict and an end to the ethnic cleansing of innocent Palestinian civilians, particularly entire families and children. We urge Canadian and world leaders to prioritize protecting all human lives and pursue justice to resolve this crisis.
In a news release from Global Affairs Canada, the government reaffirmed support for Israel’s “right to defend itself” while announcing Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly’s travel plans to Greece, Israel and Jordan. This language from top Canadian officials, especially during the targeted assault against Palestinians, is a form of tacit approval that normalizes support for the violence and inevitable exodus of Palestinians from their homes and land.
Justice For All Canada notes that the government's troubling statement omits any mention of the validity of Palestinian resistance to the violence, given the blatant assault they are facing.
“Today, our community is in deep pain. As we anticipate a stronger response from our leaders, Muslims across Canada are let down by the unequal response from the Canadian government, indicating that some lives are worth protection than others," said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director.
PALESTINIAN CHILDREN
The ongoing conflict highlights the distressing reality of how vulnerable Palestinian groups, particularly children, are frequently embroiled in the midst of violence inflicted by Israeli military authorities. Israel’s apartheid state has one of the world's highest rates of Palestinian juvenile incarceration. These young lives, filled with potential and aspirations, are currently facing the harrowing ordeal of witnessing their homes reduced to rubble, their schools destroyed, and their communities torn apart. The trauma inflicted on Palestinian youth during these conflicts can leave deep and lasting scars, hampering their physical and emotional well-being and robbing them of the childhood they deserve.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The Israeli army recently issued warnings to Palestinian civilians north of the besieged Gaza Strip, advising them to evacuate before an anticipated ground offensive. Thousands have already moved to the south of Gaza in response to these warnings. The United Nations has denounced the feasibility of such relocations, deeming it "impossible" as food, electricity, and fuel have become scarce.
- According to the latest information, Israeli air attacks on Gaza have resulted in at least 1,799 Palestinian fatalities and 6,388 injuries.
- Among the victims, there are 583 children and 248 women, as reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry.
- Over 1,300 casualties and more than 3,000 wounded on the Israeli side.
Despite the Canadian government pledging $10M in humanitarian assistance to Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the staggering number of Palestinian casualties underscores the indiscriminate nature of Israel’s attacks, amounting to collective punishment and a clear violation of international law, with a devastating impact on civilians and children.
Justice For All Canada, a human rights organization with a focus on genocide prevention, extends its deepest condolences to all those affected by this escalating violence. We call on the Canadian government to take swift and decisive action to support a ceasefire and protect human rights for all in the region.
- We call on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to issue an unequivocal condemnation of the Israeli government’s attacks and violence targeting defenceless Palestinian civilians.
- We urge the Canadian government to adopt rhetoric that highlights and defends Palestinian children and their families from the horrific bombing campaign against them.
- We ask the Canadian government to use its diplomatic reach to call for an immediate ceasefire among all involved, to protect civilians, hospitals, humanitarian workers and journalists.
NEXT STEPS
- Write to Prime Minister Trudeau using the letter below. Let him know that Canadians expect our government to act now. CLICK HERE TO SEND EMAIL!
- Make a call to Prime Minister Trudeau using the script provided. CLICK HERE TO MAKE THE CALL!