Source: American Muslim Council press release
On October 13, 2000, The American Muslim Council issued a press release stating the
following: "A group of 1,000 American Muslims convened in front of the
White House today for Jumu'ah prayer and a rally denouncing Israel's
increased aggression toward the Palestinian people. The event brought
together national Muslim organizations which included the American Muslim
Council (AMC), the Muslim American Society (MAS), American Muslims for
Jerusalem (AMJ), the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), and the
Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC). In statement at a press conference
held at the event, AMC's new Deputy Executive Director Abdulwahab Alkebsi
called on the United States to truly become an 'honest broker of peace'
and undertake a unbiased approach to the situation in
Palestine.
"'We are here in front of the White House to impress
on our Administration the importance of the issue of Jerusalem, which is
dear to every Muslim's heart. We stress the critical need for an
even-handed approach on the part of the U.S. The recent events have
removed any semblance of an impartial approach. A 'cease-fire' cannot be
called for when only one side (Israel) has 'fire' and the other side has
none. Our national interests are in direct conflict with Israel's so long
as the current situation in Palestine continues,' Mr. Alkebsi said. The
group, which included young children, listened as the list of names, which
also included children, of over 100 Palestinians martyred was read as well
as their ages. Calls were made to stop U.S. taxpayer money from going to
Israel to fund its internationally condemned reign of terror. The peaceful
protest then proceeded to walk to the U.S. Department of State where they
met up with more protestors and continued voicing their concerns and their
solidarity with the Palestinian people."