The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) stands in unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people as we condemn the ongoing atrocities being committed by the Israeli government in Gaza. Recent findings from Amnesty International, which describe Israel’s actions as genocide against the Palestinian population, underscore the urgency for the international community to act decisively to halt the violence and protect innocent lives. Amnesty’s report, grounded in months of investigation and interviews with over 200 Palestinian victims, paints a chilling and devastating picture of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. It details widespread and systematic attacks on civilian infrastructure, including the indiscriminate bombing of residential areas, the targeting of medical facilities, and the destruction of essential resources such as clean water and food. Furthermore, the forced displacement of thousands of innocent Palestinians is a clear violation of international law. Amnesty concludes that these actions constitute genocide, meeting the legal definition outlined by the United Nations. The report shows that these actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy by Israel to systematically destroy the Palestinian population in Gaza, both physically and culturally. Israel’s attacks, which have killed thousands of civilians, have caused intergenerational harm that will leave deep scars on the Palestinian people for decades to come. As Amnesty International rightly points out, the violence cannot be justified as mere self-defense—it is part of a deliberate effort to annihilate the Palestinian people. At ICNA, we call on the global community to take immediate steps to hold Israel accountable. The U.S. government, in particular, must reconsider its stance of uncritical support for Israel’s military actions. We urge the incoming Trump administration to take decisive action and de-fund this genocide. Instead, we call for a shift in focus toward addressing pressing domestic issues such as mental health, poverty, and racial inequality that impact millions of Americans. It is time to prioritize the well-being of American citizens over the uncritical funding of violence abroad. Additionally, we call on Congress to pass H.Con.Res.99, a concurrent resolution that honors Wadee Alfayoumi, a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy who was tragically murdered in a hate crime because of his Palestinian-Muslim identity in Illinois. This resolution would recognize the loss of Wadee Alfayoumi, affirming that the United States has zero tolerance for hate crimes, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab discrimination. It also emphasizes the importance of protecting constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest. We also urge the International Criminal Court (ICC) to use the extensive evidence presented in Amnesty’s report to further investigate and prosecute those responsible for these crimes. This includes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who have been central figures in orchestrating and defending the violent and genocidal policies against Palestinians. Israel’s systematic campaign of violence should not go unpunished, and those who have spearheaded this violence must be held accountable in international courts. Finally, ICNA calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and for urgent humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need. We call on governments worldwide to end their complicity in this genocide and to take meaningful steps to protect the lives of innocent Palestinians. The time for action is now. The world cannot afford to remain silent as genocide unfolds. At ICNA, we stand committed to amplifying the voices of the oppressed and advocating for justice, peace, and the protection of human rights. We urge all people of conscience to join us in demanding an end to the violence and in pushing for accountability for those responsible for the ongoing atrocities in Gaza.

ICNA, a beneficial Muslim platform, to spread positivity during Giving Tuesday. ICNA is an organization of American Muslims dedicated to promote Islamic values by safeguarding moral, familial, and religious traditions. Through its various initiatives, ICNA fulfills its mission of service and outreach. Programs like WhyIslam and GainPeace help fulfill the obligation of spreading the divine message to neighbors and communities across the U.S. Social services such as ICNA Relief and Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) provide essential support, serving millions of people both in the U.S. and globally. Young Muslims (YM) empower the youth, both brothers and sisters, to take on leadership roles in the community, ensuring a strong and dynamic future. ICNA Sisters offers a vital platform for women to engage in strengthening families and society in accordance with Islamic values. ICNA Council for Social Justice addresses critical issues of discrimination and inequality, while conventions bring the Muslim community together as one family. By supporting ICNA, you contribute to these impactful programs and initiatives, strengthening communities and advancing these noble causes. DONATE NOW!

Since October 2023, Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts in Gaza, delivering critical aid to over half-a-million fellow human beings through multiple rounds of service. In the face of ongoing hostilities and devastation, HHRD’s relentless dedication has ensured that those affected receive the support they need to survive with dignity. The daily HHRD’s food and water distribution programs since May 2024 have been a lifeline for the people of Gaza, in providing food parcels, hot meals, bread, and clean drinking water. From Iftar dinners during Ramadan to daily sustenance, these initiatives have been crucial in alleviating hunger and malnutrition. Additionally, large-scale daily water distribution through tankers efforts have provided families with clean water, essential for maintaining health and preventing waterborne diseases. Beyond food and water, HHRD has addressed other urgent needs by distributing hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping bags, clothing, and medical supplies to vulnerable families. These items have significantly improved living conditions for those displaced by the conflict, offering a measure of comfort in challenging circumstances. In addition, HHRD has established washrooms in critical locations, ensuring that proper hygiene practices are maintained, which is vital for preventing the spread of diseases. Amid the hardships, a simple act of kindness can bring immeasurable joy. A child shared their story of how life drastically changed when they had to flee their home due to intense bombing. Living in a tent inside a school, they longed for the simple pleasure of eating bread, a staple that had been absent from their lives due to the scarcity of flour in Gaza. The child’s joy was indescribable when the HHRD team arrived with a large bag of flour, allowing their family to bake bread once again. This small yet profound moment of happiness rekindled hope, showing that even in the darkest times, acts of compassion can make a significant difference. HHRD’s work in Gaza is ongoing, with plans for more aid distributions in the coming months. The organization remains committed to standing by the people of Gaza, providing the resources they need to endure these difficult times. The road ahead may be challenging, but HHRD’s unwavering support ensures that the people of Gaza are not alone in their struggle. For updates & your kind consideration, please visit: www.HHRD.Org/Palestine https://www.Facebook.Com/HelpingHandUSA Previous Next A Child’s Joy in Gaza Amidst Crisis “After the war started, we fled our homes quickly because of the intense bombing and couldn’t take anything with us, not even my toys, which are in my room—I don’t know if they still exist or if they were destroyed in the bombing. We fled to live in a tent inside a school because it was safer than our house. At home, we used to start our day with a delicious breakfast, always featuring bread. On the first day in our tent, we waited for our usual breakfast, but unfortunately, it wasn’t what we expected. There was no flour in all of Gaza to make bread (as our father told us). We spent several days eating without feeling full and sleeping without even the smell of bread. But today, shortly after we woke up, I saw someone from HHRD team bringing us a big bag of flour. I started shouting with astonishment and joy: ‘Flour, flour! We will finally make bread again,’ after it had disappeared from our lives for a long time. My joy today with this flour is immense. Returning to our usual daily routine after being deprived for so many days is a happiness that cannot be described and gives us hope that despite all the circumstances, there are still people who care about us and try to make us happy, even with something simple. May Allah (SWT) reward you greatly on our behalf.”