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

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

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

Ibrahim Hooper, CAIR National Communications Director, +1-202-488-8787,
+1-202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; Amina Rubin, CAIR Communications
Coordinator, +1-202-488-8787, +1-202-341-4171, arubin@cair.com