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Issue 8: September 7, 2023
A monthly spotlight on major developments from MPAC’s Policy Bureau
THIS MONTH IN DC – Remembering Abdelhamid Youness, Co-Founder of MPAC ([link removed]) , Two Years Later: Afghan Women Struggle to Survive Under Taliban Rule ([link removed]) , Forced to Dress Like a Muslim ([link removed]) , Islam Does Not Ban Girls' Education. So Why Does The Taliban? ([link removed]) , MPAC Urges Minority Communities to Stay Vigilant ([link removed]) , MPAC Calls on Muslim Communities to Protect House of Worship ([link removed]) , CLDP Applications Now Open
([link removed]) , 2023 MPAC Convention Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now ([link removed])
** MPAC President to Serve as UCLA Senior Fellow:
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We are proud to announce that, starting this Fall, MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati will serve as a Senior Fellow at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs.
Established in 1997, the Luskin Senior Fellows Mentor Program features policy, public service, private enterprise, and community leaders who act as professional role models to guide UCLA Luskin students to careers in public interest. While in this position, Salam will work to inspire and shape young leaders who share a passion for creating meaningful change in their communities.
Join us in congratulating Salam on this appointment!
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In the Media:
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Two Years Later: Afghan Women Struggle to Survive Under Taliban Rule ([link removed])
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Op-Ed Published in Women's Media Center
By Niala Mohammad and Salam Al-Marayati
August 15th, 2021 marked a turning point in Afghanistan's history as the Taliban seized control, following the withdrawal of US troops, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the nation's future — particularly for Afghan women, who had fought to reclaim their place in society after enduring years of relentless conflict. Despite promises to uphold women's rights in accordance with Islamic teachings, the Taliban's actions have only served to undermine the very religion they purport to represent.
Read our published op-ed here ([link removed]) .
** ' ([link removed]) Forced to Dress Like a Muslim': Taliban Imposes Restrictions on Afghanistan's Sikh, Hindu Minorities ([link removed])
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Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty
"The situation continues to deteriorate as political extremist factions that claim to represent Islam, such as the Taliban, ascend to power in the region," said [Niala] Mohammad. "This exodus of diverse religious groups has left a void in the country's social fabric."
Read the full article here ([link removed]) .
** Islam Does Not Ban Girls' Education, So Why Does The Taliban? ([link removed])
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Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty
“The Taliban's ban on women's education is not rooted in [the Islamic] Shari’a law but rather reflects cultural biases that contradict the teachings of Islam,” said Salam Al-Marayati, president of the Muslim Public Affairs Council.
He said that contrary to Taliban practices, “Islam emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and encourages all individuals, regardless of gender, to acquire an education.”
Read the full article here ([link removed]) .
** Statement: MPAC Urges Minority Communities to Stay Vigilant Amidst Rise in White Supremacist Threats: ([link removed])
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"The growing transnational ideology of violence and hatred known as the 'Great Replacement Theory'... was adopted by the attacker in Jacksonville."
Following the tragic attack on the African American community in Jacksonville, MPAC engaged in a FBI briefing in which the government emphasized the increasing threat of white supremacy and acknowledged the spread of the white nationalist ideology, the Great Replacement Theory.
Read our full statement here ([link removed]) .
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Statement: MPAC Calls on Muslim Communities to Protect Houses of Worship: ([link removed])
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The recent mob violence targeting the Christian religious minority community in Pakistan is deeply alarming. MPAC calls upon faith and global leaders to unite in condemning these attacks and work together to protect places of worship. Through education, dialogue, and mutual respect, we believe that we can foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
Read our statement here ([link removed]) .
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Parliament of World Regions: ([link removed])
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MPAC was proud to have our Director of Policy and Strategy, Niala Mohammad, attend the interfaith conference, Parliament of World Religions, in Chicago and join the global discussion on safeguarding religious freedoms and universal human rights.
Niala was also featured in the film, Baywatana, a documentary on the history of Afghan Sikhs and Hindus that premiered at this year's Parliament of World Religions.
Check out the documentary clip here ([link removed]) .
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** Remembering Abdelhamid Youness, MPAC Co-Founder: ([link removed])
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To God we belong, and to Him we shall return. It is with a heavy heart that MPAC announces the passing of our co-founder, Abdelhamid Youness. The visionary leader and tireless advocate, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 20, 2023. His dedication to justice, compassion, and equality will continue to guide MPAC's work as we strive to create a society that values justice for all.
“Mr. Youness was an inspiration to us all, and his legacy – including MPAC – will live on for generations to come,” said Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC President. “His vision and leadership have shaped MPAC into the organization it is today, and we are committed to carrying forward his mission of fostering a more inclusive and equitable society, and making Islam a positive and integral element in American pluralism.“
Read more about his life and legacy here ([link removed]) .
** In Case You Missed It:
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** 2024 CLDP Applications are Now Open! ([link removed])
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Are you ready to step into public service positions and make a lasting impact as an American Muslim on Capitol Hill? We are thrilled to announce that the application window for the 2024 Congressional Leadership Development Program (CLDP) is now open! This is your opportunity to join a transformative cohort of young students that will shape you into a dynamic and effective leader of tomorrow.
For program information and application requirements, click here ([link removed]) .
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** Upcoming Events
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2023 MPAC Convention: Authentic Voices for Principled Change ([link removed])
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Mark your calendars! On November 11, 2023, join us at our annual Convention for a fireside chat and book signing with award-winning journalist and author Mehdi Hasan.
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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 now. Purchase Early Bird tickets here ([link removed]) .
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Founded in 1988, the ** Muslim Public Affairs Council ([link removed])
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