AJC Condemns Harassment of Palestinian-American NFL Player

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Jul 13, 2013, 01:34 ET

NEW YORK, July 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC is deeply disturbed by the harassment that a member of the New York Jets football team has endured due to his ethnicity.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100816/AJCLOGO )

Oday Aboushi, recently drafted by the New York Jets, was maliciously targeted by several online publications, after he addressed the El Bireh convention, an annual gathering of Palestinian-Americans. Aboushi's parents immigrated to the United States more than 40 years ago.

"We are privileged in the United States to live in a pluralistic society, where talented individuals of varying ethnic and faith backgrounds can pursue their dreams and excel in their professions," said AJC Executive Director David Harris.

"Maligning Oday Aboushi because of his ethnic background should be widely condemned by all Americans," Harris continued. "Aboushi is a young American of Palestinian descent, who aspires to fulfill his professional goal as an athlete and to contribute to American society. We look forward to seeing him play in the NFL and wish him every success."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee