CASA removed its post “in resolute and steadfast solidarity with the people of Palestine in their relentless fight for freedom” following Councilmember Andrew Friedson’s letter of outrage and other Montgomery County residents calling for the county to stop funding the organization.
Now a post by the organization that works to improve the quality of life in working-class: Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities, according to its website, notes that it plans to “work to refine our message and clarify our values and will issue another statement soon.”
In its original letter, CASA’s Executive Director Gustavo Torres wrote, “We stand shoulder to shoulder with countless Black and brown freedom activists from around the world. We specifically condemn the utilization of U.S. tax dollars to promote the ongoing violence. We call for an immediate ceasefire to save all precious life and halt the systematic ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.”
He also wrote, “Like much of the world, we join in condemning the outrageous attack by Hamas in Israel. Our hearts go out to the innocent children and families caught in the midst of this horrendous conflict. We also reject the notion that any act of violence can ever justify the heinous practice of terror currently unleashed by Israel in Gaza, including on refugee camps, medical and UN aid workers, and more.”
Friedson called Torres’ comments an “inflammatory and inaccurate statement by CASA that is deeply offensive and hurtful.”
In a statement, Friedson noted that CASA’s comments “demonstrated a divisive disregard of the Jewish community who have been steadfast partners in countless of the organization’s efforts to support immigrants in our community over the years.”
Friedson wrote that CASA’s post implies that Jews and especially Jews of color have no place in a community where people can live free.
He called on CASA to “formally retract the statement.”
Councilmember Dawn Luedtke posted, “We can’t and I won’t support those who in one breath condemn violent extremism and in another attempt to justify its goals. Words matter. This rhetoric is dangerous and unacceptable.”
Councilmember Gabe Albornoz and Natali Fani-González also denounced CASA’s post, noting it “has made an already emotional and horrific situation in our community worse.”
The two officials noted, “The Israel-Hamas war is impacting and devastating tens of thousands of our residents in Montgomery County. It’s critical that we foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding. As policy makers, we will work toward building that understanding and encourage all organizations and individuals to do the same.”
In a tweet, Maryland Sen. Cheryl Kagan called CASA’s statement a “vicious and ill-informed rant.”
Others took to X to urge the council to stop funding Casa.
Thank you, @dawn_luedtke! 🙏 https://t.co/4cXvtDWUVD
— Councilmember Andrew Friedson (@Andrew_Friedson) November 7, 2023
