Dear John,
Assalamu alaikum and Ramadan Mubarak! May the blessings of this sacred month bring you and your loved ones peace and prosperity.
This past year has unfolded as a journey of challenges that touched the core of our hearts and reignited a newfound sense of community. The afflictions faced by our brothers and sisters across the globe in Palestine and beyond reverberated deeply within the American Muslim community. We came together in the largest pro-Palestinian march in U.S. history and continue to stand firm in our commitment to vote for representatives who truly advocate for our interests in this upcoming election.
From the shadows of hardship, we must emerge stronger and more united, ready to face the future with unwavering conviction and courage. Let us draw strength from the teachings of the Quran: ˹O you who have attained to faith! Go forth whether it is easy or difficult for you, and strive with your wealth and yourselves in the cause of God. That is best for you, if you only knew. (Surah At-Tawbah 9:41)
So let us march forward – together.
Please consider a gift of $300 or any other amount towards MPAC’s work. Your generous contribution not only aligns with the values of Zakat but also serves as a spiritual investment in the pursuit of positive change.
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For 36 years, MPAC has forged ahead with a vision: to stand shoulder to shoulder with those in positions of influence, advocating for the American Muslim community. Historically, our voices as Muslims were cast to the sidelines. Today, we are no longer observers; we actively engage with Hollywood content creators, executives, and government officials, amplifying the needs of our community. We also nurture the next generation of Muslim youth to empower them to carry the torch forward.
Thanks to your continuous support, MPAC has achieved significant milestones this year:
Adaptive Response in Times of Crisis
- Launched a national billboard campaign that was viewed by over 113+ million people, introducing 79 billboards across 26 cities to date to raise awareness of the ongoing human rights violations and call for a ceasefire in Gaza
- Held over 400 meetings on Capitol Hill and with the Biden Administration over the past 12 months
- Led coalition efforts to push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and delivery of humanitarian aid, and supported members of Congress in their opposition to the Administration’s response
- Wrote and delivered letters to the presidents of the 100 largest American universities, pushing back against those who claim our youth support terrorism– standing up for our freedoms of expression and protest
- Published 3 op-eds and offered principled, powerful representation of our community on CNN, NPR, the Center for Public Integrity, and Newsweek
Amplifying Inclusion, Representation, and Authentic Narratives
- Conducted presentations to entertainment executives on Anti-Muslim Bias and its root causes, which included education on the plight of the Palestinians
- Stood in solidarity with our community members in Hollywood as they participated in both the writers' and actors’ strikes, demanding fairer compensation from the industry
- Awarded a talented and creative American Muslim screenwriter with $10,000 to put toward the making of their film project in our third annual partnership with Film Independent
- Consulted on sitcoms, dramas, and thrillers to ensure authenticity and accuracy in portrayals
Putting Young American Muslims in Positions to Succeed
- Trained and housed 20 young leaders in Washington D.C. for ten weeks last summer through our Congressional Leadership Development Program (CLDP), empowering them to be the next generation of changemakers and leverage opportunities for future roles in D.C. or their local arena. Today, we have a group of over 90 CLDP alumni, many of whom are running for office, working in human rights advocacy, and representing our communities as public servants.
This Ramadan, as we fast and pray, let our actions speak louder than our words. As you consider allocating a part of your annual Zakat to MPAC this year, remember that your support is not just a financial gift but an expression of faith and a demonstration of solidarity.
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Let us #MarchForwardTogether, propelled by the spirit of progress, empowerment, and pride for our Muslim community. Your support is invaluable, and we thank you for standing with us in this collective journey.
In service,
Salam Al-Marayati
President, MPAC
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