Yemeni Community condemns murder of member, laments insecurity in NYC

Yemeni Community in New York City has condemned the “senseless” murder of a member, Bassem Alkhateeb, by gunmen.

One of the community leaders, Iman Almarwani, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday July 9, 2023.

According to the leader, the community has been thrown into mourning after the tragic and senseless murder of Bassem Alkhateeb, a beloved partner at a Yemeni deli store in Staten Island.

Lamenting the high rate of insecurity in the City, the leader stated that Bassem Alkhateeb was ruthlessly killed by two unidentified individuals “who entered the store, committing a heinous act of violence before fleeing the scene”.

Following the gruesome murder, the community, therefore, schedules a conference to be held on Tuesday July 11, 2023, at Masjed Noor Al-Islam

It also urged authorities to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

The statement reads:

“As the community grapples with this devastating loss, there is an urgent call for justice and enhanced safety measures to protect immigrant-owned businesses in the city,” the statement reads.

“Bassem Alkhateeb, a respected and hardworking individual, was known for his dedication to his work and his commitment to serving the local community.

“He was a valued partner at the Yemeni deli store, where he played an integral role in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for customers from all walks of life.

“His tragic death has sent shockwaves through the community and serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by immigrant businesses.

“The murder of Bassem Alkhateeb not only takes away a beloved member of our community but also highlights the pressing need for enhanced safety measures for immigrant-owned businesses in New York City.

“Immigrants play a vital role in the cultural fabric and economic prosperity of this great city. It is imperative that we create an environment where these hardworking individuals can pursue their dreams without fear for their safety.

“The community calls upon law enforcement agencies and official representatives to swiftly investigate this horrendous crime and bring the perpetrators to justice. We urge authorities to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible for Bassem Alkhateeb’s untimely death.

“Justice must be served, and the community is relying on the dedication and expertise of the authorities to ensure that those responsible face the full extent of the law.

“We urge community leaders and elected officials to come out Tuesday July 11, at 12 PM in front of Masjed Noor Al-Islam

“3067 Richmond Terr Staten Island, New York 10303 to stand in solidarity with Bassem and all those who have been affected by those crimes. We will not rest until justice is served in our city.”