Community Mourns Tampa Man Sayfollah Musallet, Calls for Justice After Tragic Death in West Bank
Community Mourns Tampa Man Killed in West Bank, Calls for Justice
TAMPA, Fla. — A somber gathering unfolded Sunday evening as friends, family, and community members came together to honor the life of Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old Tampa resident tragically killed while visiting family in the West Bank. The outpouring of grief was palpable as attendees shared memories of a young man known for his kindness and hard work.
Musallet, who owned the popular ice cream shop “Ice Screamin” on Bruce B. Downs, was described by his uncle, Ferase Ibrahim, as a “nice kid, smiling all the time.” However, the joy of his life was abruptly shattered when he was reportedly “brutally beaten to death” by Israeli settlers on Friday. His family claims he was protecting his land alongside relatives when the incident occurred.
“It’s not just having a family member die; it’s having a family member, a son, a nephew, a cousin beaten to death by illegal Israeli settlers,” said Hiba Rahim, Deputy Executive Director of CAIR-Florida. “This is something that all of us hold very close—our land, our property, our home.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Florida, the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties organization, has joined the family in calling for accountability. “Just because it’s Israel does not give them immunity to kill our citizens,” Rahim stated, urging public officials to condemn the murder and demanding justice for Musallet.
In a heartfelt statement, Musallet’s family expressed their devastation, describing the situation as an “unimaginable nightmare.” They revealed that he died en route to the hospital after being surrounded for over three hours, during which paramedics were allegedly prevented from providing life-saving aid.
The Islamic Community of Tampa Mosque in Temple Terrace hosted a special prayer service, drawing attendees from across the state. “We’re all shocked,” Ibrahim said, reflecting the community’s collective sorrow. “He went there for vacation, to see his mom, his family, his grandmother, and when we heard the news, we just felt it as a community.”
Jonathan Ellis, Chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council, extended condolences to Musallet’s family, emphasizing that the loss of any child is a tragedy that resonates across communities. “I trust the Israeli government to conduct a thorough investigation,” he said, noting that the Jewish community does not condone violence or celebrate such tragedies.
As the community grapples with this loss, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor has also expressed her condolences, highlighting the need for justice and accountability in this heartbreaking case.
The call for justice continues to resonate, with Musallet’s family and supporters urging local and national leaders to take a stand against violence and advocate for the safety of all citizens, regardless of their background.