Queens Constituents Call on Rep. Meng to Demand a Ceasefire in Gaza
QUEENS, NY – On Friday, November 24, over 200 concerned constituents gathered outside Rep. Grace Meng’s Flushing office to urge her to join the growing chorus of voices calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The current ceasefire, which went into effect earlier that morning, was already violated by Israeli airstrikes as Gazans attempted to return to their homes in northern Gaza. The death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 15,000 Palestinian lives. Despite the escalating death toll, Rep. Meng has yet to join the 44 Congressional Representatives and 3 Senators who have called for a ceasefire.
The gathering commenced with over 150 Muslims assembling to offer the Salaatul Janaza al Ghaib, a traditional funeral prayer in absentia, for those who have martyred in Gaza. Following the prayer, a brief program was held where speakers shared personal stories of their loved ones who were lost in the conflict. They recited the names of the victims and implored Rep. Meng to take immediate action to halt the violence and discontinue funding and arming the Israeli military.
As the program drew to a close, an altar bearing photographs of the fallen Gazans, candles, flowers, and seeds was placed at the entrance of Rep. Meng’s office, serving as a poignant reminder of the lives lost while awaiting a ceasefire.
The event was organized by a collective of concerned constituents, DRUM – Desis Rising Up & Moving, and Mesita De La Memoria. Organizers expressed their hope that Rep. Meng would heed the calls of her constituents and join the growing movement for peace in Gaza.
