Trump Faces Protests at his House’s yard
Hundreds of people protested in front of the White-House Friday against President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
According to Anadolu News Agency, nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organizations, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) and Jews United against Zionism took their grievances to the U.S. Capitol.
Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss and his followers from Jews United Against Zionism were among those who participated in the demonstration.
The News agency wrote: While Muslims performed the prayer in front of the White House, Rabbi Weiss and his companions held banners that read: “Torah true Jews in Jerusalem and Worldwide condemn the aggression in Al-Aqsa and the occupation of Palestine” and “Judaism rejects Zionism and the state of Israel”.
“This decision on Jerusalem will make everything worse,” said Rabbi Weiss.
“Trump in his speech said that, he wanted to bring peace. Peace is not by pouring salt to open wound by taking the holy city Jerusalem and declaring it as the capital of unacceptable, illegitimate state according to Jewish religion,” he added.
Protestors chanted against Israel and Trump’s decision on Jerusalem, carried banners reading “Stop the occupation in Palestine now”, “Jerusalem belongs to Palestinians” and “We reject Trump’s decision”.
“Today we gathered here to protest Trump’s decision, declaring Jerusalem to be capital of Israel,” Naem Baeg, Director of Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) interfaith programs said.
Meanwhile, thousands of demonstrators also marched in Times Square, New York.
Demonstrators chanted against Israel and Trump’s decision on Jerusalem, shouting “Free, Free Palestine, Long live Palestine,” while carrying banners reading “This is unacceptable, Palestine will be free,” “Israel is a terrorist, Palestine is free” and “We reject Trump’s decision”.
“The Trump government should re-evaluate its decision,” a student of New York University, Ahmad M. (22), said. “The Israeli state has been shedding blood on the holy land for decades, saying their cause is sacred. What religion allows this?”
Another demonstrator, Mohammad Nazeef, who has been in the U.S. for 10 years said he came to the country because he thought the U.S. has respect to everyone beliefs. However, racism is on rise since Trump has been elected as President.
“I am not sure if Trump wants to arrange a new Crusade but in the social circle, people’s behaviors against me have changed so much,” Nazeed said. “I seriously consider leaving the United States.”
On Wednesday, US president Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital as well as plans to relocate the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. A move that angered Muslims throughout the world.