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Issue 5: June 1, 2023

A monthly spotlight on major developments in MPAC’s D.C. Office

THIS MONTH IN DC – Justice for Shireen Act ([link removed]) , MPAC Welcomes the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, ([link removed]) MPAC Stands with Palestinians and Rep. Tlaib Amidst Pushback on 75th Nakba Commemoration ([link removed]) , ([link removed]) American Muslim Coalition Engages White House on Combating Islamophobia ([link removed])

Justice for Shireen Act:
On May 11th, 2022, Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, was killed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) while covering an Israeli operation in the West Bank city of Jenin. One year later, Shireen's family and colleagues continue to search for answers around her death.

In an effort to push her investigation forward, and to protect journalists both at home and abroad, Rep. Andre Carson has reintroduced the Justice for Shireen Act. MPAC has also signed on, endorsing the bill to uphold freedom of the press and honor the life and legacy of Shireen Abu Akleh.

Read the bill text here ([link removed]) .

Statement: MPAC Welcomes the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism:
The Biden-Harris Administration’s first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism ([link removed]) is a significant step towards combating the rise of Antisemitism in the United States. The recent increase in Antisemitic incidents is alarming and requires immediate attention.

“Antisemitism has been a scourge for centuries. The Muslim community understands the impact of hate crimes and discrimination, and we stand with the Jewish community in condemning all forms of hate.”
- Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC President

Read our full statement here ([link removed]) .

Statement: MPAC Stands with Palestinians, Rep. Tlaib Amidst Pushback on 75th Nakba Commemoration:
On May 10th, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib hosted a commemoration of the 75th Nakba, the mass displacement of Palestinians known as “the Nakba” or “the catastrophe.” However, the event was canceled by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who labeled the event Antisemitic.

MPAC is concerned that any criticism of Israel as a human rights offender is often conflated with Antisemitism and is used to infringe upon the right to freedom of expression for Arab Americans and American Muslims.

Read our full statement here ([link removed]) .

American Muslim Coalition Engages White House on Combating Islamophobia:
MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati and M. Faiyaz Hussain, MPAC’s Senior Advisor for Strategy, Policy, and Programs attended a Listening Session at the White House alongside other American Muslim Coalition community leaders to offer strategies on how to counter anti-Muslim animus in the United States at both the governmental and societal levels.

Read our full press release here ([link removed]) .
Read the White House readout of the listening session here ([link removed]) .

UNRWA USA Gaza 5K:
On May 20th, MPAC's Niala Mohammad participated in the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s signature Gaza 5K -- a walk/run fundraising event geared towards providing Palestinian refugee children in the Gaza Strip with life-changing mental health care.

Learn more about UNRWA USA's mission here ([link removed]) .

White House Eid al-Fitr Celebration:
On May 1st, MPAC attended President Biden's Eid al-Fitr Reception, which marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan and celebrated the many contributions of American Muslims.

Read the White House statement on Eid al-Fitr here ([link removed]) .


** What's New
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Introducing our 2023 CLDP Cohort:
This week, our Congressional Leadership Development Program (CLDP) Fellows begin their 10-week experience on Capitol Hill. Take a look!

In Case You Missed It:
Last month, Niala Mohammad joined MPAC's Policy Bureau as Director of Policy and Strategy. She works alongside our Director of Government Relations, Mohammad Ali. Niala has a long career in journalism and policy analysis.

Learn more about Niala's work here ([link removed]) .


** Upcoming Events
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2023 MPAC Convention and Media Awards:
Mark your calendars! On November 11, 2023, join us at our annual Convention for a fireside chat and book signing with award-winning journalist Mehdi Hasan.

Hasan is host of ‘The Mehdi Hasan Show’ on MSNBC and Peacock, and author of the 2023 New York Times bestseller, ‘Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking.’

Tickets on sale soon. Get notified here ([link removed]) .

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Founded in 1988, the ** Muslim Public Affairs Council ([link removed])
improves public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media, and communities. Our policy analysts provide insight from D.C. to the palm of your hand on the most pressing issues impacting American Muslims. Email is an important way for us to communicate with supporters like you. Should you want to stop hearing from us or change your preferences, click here to ** update your contact info ([link removed])
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