As’salaam alaikum (peace be upon you):

We as a community are heartbroken by the significant loss of innocent lives and ongoing suffering and bloodshed in the escalating crisis in the Holy Land. We at MAPS continue to believe that non-violence remains the true path to freedom, security and lasting peace, and we urge sincere diplomacy by the international community — including by our government — to achieve peace and safety for all, an end to the occupation, and recognition of the legitimate political aspirations of the Palestinian people.

We pray for peace and justice in this most difficult time. For enduring peace, we must address the source of the problem, which is the decades-long occupation of millions of Palestinians and the denial of basic rights and freedoms. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”

We condemn the violence that has exacerbated and prolonged the dire situation for nearly a century, including the latest escalation and bloodshed. This perilous situation requires immediate and proactive diplomacy and long-term solutions that can protect all those living and traveling in the Holy Land.

We at MAPS will continue to make Dua (supplication) for peace and the protection of civilians, and ask you to join us in prayer. We also encourage our community (and others) to please donate to Islamic Relief to help those on the ground who are suffering.

For many years, we have condemned the taking of any innocent lives. “Whoever kills a person, unless [as punishment through due process] for murder or mischief in the land, it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all humankind.” (Quran 5:32)

MAPS will continue to work with Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and all faith communities for the common good in America and to advocate for peace in the Holy Land and around the world.

We ask all communities to join us in calling for an immediate ceasefire of violence and a demand for a fair and enduring solution to a conflict that has destroyed far too many lives and remained unresolved for far too long.