Check out the latest updates from MPAC's Policy Bureau

Issue 14: March 9, 2024

A monthly spotlight on major developments from MPAC’s Policy Bureau

FEBRUARY 2024 IN DC – Candid Conversations: 2024 Presidential Election, ([link removed]) Honoring South Africa for their Courageous Stand at the ICJ ([link removed]) , (http://) “I Will No Longer Be Complicit in Genocide” ([link removed]) , (http://) A New Dark Hour for Leaders of the Free World ([link removed]) , (http://) MPAC Concerned Over Continued Increase in Hate-motivated Attacks, ([link removed]) Uthman Dan Fodio: Defender of Islamic Values and Justice ([link removed]) , (http://) The Black Struggle is an Islamic Struggle ([link removed]) , (http://) Algeria to
Palestine: Frantz Fanon’s Call for a Conscious Evolution ([link removed]) , Bilal ibn Rabah: The Voice of Resilience ([link removed]) , A Love Letter to the Children of Palestine ([link removed]) , Michigan primary leaves Dems begging Biden to set foot in the swing state ([link removed]) , How Do We Talk about Palestine and Israel? ([link removed]) , MPAC Policy Bureau Ramadan Iftar RSVP Open ([link removed])

Candid Conversations: 2024 Presidential Election ([link removed])

With the 2024 election year underway, it is important that we remember that our votes and our voices matter. We’ve invited all of the 2024 Presidential candidates for a discussion to get a better understanding of their views and positions. Together, we can make sure that we each have the knowledge to make informed choices at the ballot box this year.

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In our latest conversation, MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati sat down with Dr. Cornel West ([link removed]) . During the discussion, Dr. West called out the U.S. as enablers in Israel’s crimes of genocide against the Palestinian people and emphasized the Biden Administration’s dismissive stance towards both voters and other political leaders calling for an end to Israeli occupation. They also discussed the increasing police presence and lack of mental health resources in public schools, the over-surveillance of communities of color, and the growing need to better protect vulnerable communities.

Catch up with all videos here ([link removed]) .

Honoring South Africa for their Courageous Stand at the ICJ ([link removed])

MPAC hosted a ceremony to honor the government of South Africa for their courageous stand at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and show gratitude for their unwavering support of the Palestinian people and their efforts to hold the Israeli government accountable for their egregious, and ongoing atrocities in occupied territories.

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“Their goal is to annihilate – our mission is the same as it was in South Africa, end apartheid and achieve coexistence once again… As the work of Nelson Mandela illustrates, truth and justice will prevail. Palestine will be free.”
— Salam Al-Marayati, President, MPAC

Watch the full ceremony here ([link removed]) .

“I Will No Longer Be Complicit in Genocide” ([link removed])
Stating that he will “no longer be complicit in genocide," United States Air Force active duty member Aaron Bushnell, set himself on fire outside of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. The 25-year-old live streamed the self-immolation which included his final words: “Free Palestine.”

The loss of Aaron Bushnell, a man who was dedicated to serving our country, is a tragic reminder of the consequences of inaction. It is a call for all of us to work towards justice and accountability with renewed urgency.

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

A New Dark Hour for Leaders of the Free World ([link removed])
During the distraction of the Super Bowl, Israel initiated a devastating air offensive on Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip previously designated as a “safe zone” for evacuation. Despite global pleas to halt these attacks, the inevitability of destruction loomed. The people of Palestine have faced relentless assaults since Israel invaded Gaza. Despite a resounding call from concerned Americans like us for a ceasefire, our leadership persists in unwavering support for Israel’s aggression against the Palestinian people.

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

Take two minutes to contact your elected officials ([link removed]) and demand they uphold their commitment to human rights by supporting a permanent ceasefire.


MPAC Concerned Over Continued Increase in Hate-motivated Attacks ([link removed])

Four young American Muslims were targeted while driving home after attending a pro-Palestinian protest in Austin, TX. Palestinian American Zacharia Doar was stabbed in the chest, leaving him with a broken rib, and requiring him to undergo surgery.
The Austin Police Department designated this attack as “bias-motivated.” MPAC calls on the Travis County Attorney’s Office to further classify this heinous act of violence as a hate crime. It is of the utmost importance that our legal system acknowledges hate-based offenses to ensure that perpetrators are truly held accountable for their crimes.

Read the full article here ([link removed]) .

Uthman Dan Fodio: Defender of Islamic Values and Justice ([link removed])

Shaykh Uthman Dan Fodio was a religious scholar famously known throughout the African historical tradition as the “Reviver of Islam” in West Africa. He was born in the village of Maratta in the Hausa city-state of Gobir, known as present-day Nigeria in 1754. Once his family moved from Gobir to another Hausa city-state called Degel, his religious education accelerated and would provide the foundation of Islamic values upon which he would construct the Sekoto Caliphate of West Africa, which would include over 30 emirates in its political structure.

Learn more about Shaykh Uthman here ([link removed]) .

The Black Struggle is an Islamic Struggle ([link removed])

In today’s global landscape, the ongoing Black struggle for justice, both in America and across the world, resonates profoundly with the principles of Islam. Rooted in the essence of Islamic teachings, the pursuit of justice aligns seamlessly with the core purpose of Islam, as highlighted in the Quran (5:8), stating, “Justice is closest to Piety.” This intrinsic connection underscores the need for Muslims to acknowledge and appreciate the historical ties between Islam, Africa, and the relentless fight for justice, and the endeavor for human equality and equity. To better understand and support one another, Muslims are urged to acknowledge and confront racism within their own communities, and evaluate their own internalized prejudices.

Read the full article here ([link removed]) .

Algeria to Palestine: Frantz Fanon’s Call for a Conscious Evolution ([link removed])

Understanding the Palestinian liberation movement through Fanon’s framework highlights the complexity of achieving peace in the face of longstanding occupation and systemic injustice. It suggests that any lasting solution must address the fundamental issues at the heart of the conflict: the right to self-determination, the establishment of a viable economic infrastructure, and the ability of the Palestinian people to defend themselves and their interests. Without addressing these core issues, efforts to resolve the conflict may only address the symptoms rather than the underlying causes, perpetuating a cycle of violence and oppression.

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

Bilal ibn Rabah: The Voice of Resilience ([link removed])

Bilal ibn Rabah stands as an emblematic figure of resilience amongst the noble and revered individuals in early Islamic history. He was born in 580 in Mecca to enslaved parents. His father, Rabah, was an enslaved Black Arab, and his mother, Hamama, was abducted as a princess from Abyssinia, modern-day Ethiopia, and sold as a slave at a young age. Bilal is said to be one of the first people to have embraced Islam despite his environment. Although it was unpopular to stand on Islamic principles at the time, Bilal did not waver in his faith and refused to compromise, even in bondage.

Read the full article here ([link removed]) .

A Love Letter to the Children of Palestine ([link removed])
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Over 11,000 children have died in Israel's attacks on Gaza. To the children of Palestine, you deserve so much more than what the world has offered.

We see you. We love you. May God protect you.

Donate today ([link removed]) to provide meals to children and families in Gaza.

Watch the full video here ([link removed]) .


** In the Media
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POLITICO
Michigan primary leaves Dems begging Biden to set foot in the swing state ([link removed])
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“Unless he’s ready to make changes, I don’t think even a personal visit is going to do any good. Either change the policy or accept the responsibility that they’ve lost this important swing vote.” - Salam Al-Marayati, President, Muslim Public Affairs Council

Read the full article here ([link removed]) .

Occidental College: DWA and Politics departments host “How Do We Talk About Palestine and Israel?” event ([link removed])
“America has not exemplified the discourse of the Palestinian issue...This is not a religious conflict. There has always been a Palestine, and there’s a distinctive Palestinian identity.” - Salam Al-Marayati, President, Muslim Public Affairs Council

Read the full article here ([link removed]) .


** Upcoming Events
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**
MPAC Policy Bureau Ramadan Iftar ([link removed])
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MPAC invites you to join us for a special evening of unity, peace, and community at MPAC's annual Iftar in Washington, D.C. Let's come together to break bread and foster a sense of togetherness during this blessed month of Ramadan. We hope to see you there!

RSVP here ([link removed]) .

Date: March 18, 2024
Time & Venue: TBA


** In Case You Missed It:
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79 Billboards. 26 Cities. 113 Million+ Impressions. ([link removed])
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MPAC launched a national billboard campaign to amplify the true experiences of Palestinians, and shift the mindset of those unaware of the atrocities taking place in Gaza.

The power of these billboards to convey this message to a wide audience is unparalleled. Currently, we have 79 billboards scattered throughout 26 cities across the nation – but we are not done yet.

Thank you for your support of this effort!

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