March 7, 2008

Washington D.C. - The Islamic Information Center condemns the recent remarks made by Israeli Defense Minister Vilnai and the subsequent attacks on innocent Palestinians by Israeli Defense Forces.  On Friday, February 29th, 2008 Vilnai told Israeli Army Radio that Israel would release a ‘shoah’, which is a Hebrew word commonly used to refer to a “holocaust”, upon the Palestinians.

IIC would like to remind Minister Vilnai that the Jewish people suffered immensely under the Nazi holocaust, and to use such a term is offensive to all peoples. It is important that Minister Vilnai be aware that such hurtful language is detrimental to the goal of peace. In the future, it is important for all public officials to be careful about making such statements, and to refrain from using offensive terminology.

The Islamic Information Center asks Israel to repudiate Minster Vilnai’s comments, and that all military efforts against the Palestinians cease immediately.  Furthermore, there has been an unacceptable humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, including large amounts of civilian casualties and a collapsing economic situation that must be halted and reversed without delay.
IIC condemns all violence against innocents on either side of the conflict, including the recent attack on the Jewish seminary, and so it is equally important for the Palestinian people to refrain from violence. IIC believes that peace in the Middle East can only be achieved by sincere diplomatic efforts, and any military campaigns are contrary to achieving any sort of resolution. 

United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes says "the response of economic strangulation of Gaza is not compatible with Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law. It too should stop." He continues "peace cannot be forged on the anvil of anger, or created through the denial of human dignity."
The Islamic Information Center, under the guidance of Imam Syed Naqvi, works to bring understanding among people of all faiths and background in an attempt to build bridges for the future to prevent hate crimes through education and tolerance.  IIC also works to correct any misinformation about matters relating to the Holy Religion of Islam.