CAIR Asks President to Intervene on Behalf of Former U.S. Congresswoman Seized by Israel

WASHINGTON, July 1 CAIR-Israel-seizures
Cynthia McKinney, 20 others detained while trying to bring relief aid to Gaza Strip

WASHINGTON, July 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today urged President Obama to demand the release of a former member of the U.S. Congress who was detained yesterday by Israel while trying to bring humanitarian relief to Palestinians under blockade in the Gaza Strip.

Former Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney and 20 others were held after their relief ship was stopped in international waters by the Israeli navy. The Greek-flagged ship, the Spirit of Humanity, was carrying medical supplies, olive trees and children's toys.

SEE: Cynthia McKinney, 20 Others, Held by Israel
http://tinyurl.com/n3e59o
SEE ALSO: The Free Gaza Movement
http://freegaza.org/

"Our government must take action to protect the right of American citizens to provide humanitarian relief to those suffering under an inhumane blockade," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "We must not be complicit in the immoral and unjust siege placed on the people of Gaza."

Awad also urged the Obama administration to assist American citizens trapped in Gaza by the Israeli blockade. He said CAIR has been seeking assistance since January for one Gaza family with American children.

SEE: Family with American Children Stranded in Gaza
http://tinyurl.com/n6ez3e

SEE ALSO: CAIR Seeks Sponsors for Gaza Evacuees
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_YkddWZ1kk

CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com


SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations