The American Muslim Task Force for Palestine has organized a significant event – a March on Washington scheduled for this Saturday. The march aims to amplify the voices of those directly affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Families from Gaza, who have witnessed the devastating consequences of the violence over the past three months, are set to share their heart-wrenching stories during the rally, providing a human perspective on the toll of war.
According to a statement from the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), Palestinian families will recount the loss, injuries, displacement, and abductions experienced during Israel’s assault on Gaza. The event seeks to bring attention to the human stories behind the headlines and statistics, shedding light on the profound impact on individuals and families.
The roster of speakers is notable and includes influential figures such as Dr. Cornel West, Jill Stein, Ilyasah Shabbazz (daughter of Malcolm X), Imam Omar Suleiman, Rep. Iman Jodeh, and Code Pink Director Medea Benjamin, among others.
Individuals sharing their personal stories include Abed Ajrami from Texas, who will narrate the tragic incident of 32 family members killed in the Jabaliya Refugee Camp. His nephew, a soccer player, is now paralyzed due to an Israeli blast that occurred after evacuating to an area deemed “safe” by the Israeli army.
Mazin Badr from Virginia has faced the loss of 10 close family members, including his blind sister and 84-year-old mother, a survivor of over 12 wars who had selflessly opened her home to displaced families.
Randa Muhtaseb from Maryland plans to speak about her cousin undergoing surgery without anesthesia after an Israeli bomb claimed the lives of her husband and unborn child. Tragically, 36 of her family members were killed in Israeli airstrikes.
Yasmeen El-Agha from Illinois will share heartbreaking accounts of 120 family members killed in Israeli airstrikes, including the youngest, who was just a few months old.
The stories aim to humanize the conflict, highlighting the personal tragedies and challenges faced by those directly impacted. The war in Gaza, initiated by a surprise attack from Hamas on an Israeli settlement on October 7, 2023, has led to a staggering toll of over 23,000 casualties, underscoring the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and seeking a path to peace in the region.