MPAC joined community members and organizations in a historic Call to Prayer & Peace Rally for a Ceasefire at Los Angeles City Hall. The rally marked an unprecedented moment in Los Angeles, as groups of all faiths and backgrounds came together to mourn the deaths of over 38,000 Palestinians – killed by the ongoing genocide being inflicted across Gaza at the hands of the Israeli government – and to call for an end to the relentless violence and persecution that has faced the Palestinian for over eight months. The heartfelt prayers and solidarity expressed by community members and leaders alike were a testament to our collective commitment to justice and compassion.
Following the rally, MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati delivered a khutbah, reminding us of the collective power we hold as communities of conscience in the fight against global injustice.
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MPAC Submits Recommendations to DHS on Tackling Transnational Repression
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Last month, MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati, along with other leaders in the Building Trust and Partnerships Subcommittee within the Faith-Based Security Ad visory Council (FBSAC), submitted a report to the FBSAC during a meeting with Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Deputy Secretary John Tien on transnational repression and how to effectively address it.
Transnational repression undermines international human rights norms threatening the safety and freedom of individuals seeking refuge from persecution. This practice aims to silence dissent, and maintain control over diaspora communities.
Combating this issue is vital for safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all individuals and preserving the integrity of international human rights standards.
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MPAC recently announced the launch of the Bureau of Academic Freedom. This initiative seeks to fortify the fundamental rights of American Muslim youth, empowering them as the vital voices of tomorrow. As the scrutiny of students who peacefully protested intensifies, it is crucial to take action to safeguard our freedoms. We must address the violations of the First Amendment that are proliferating in the heart of our nation and beyond.
Through our new bureau, we will support the needs of American Muslim youth who are met with the difficulties of navigating the intricate landscape of transitioning into the professional world while empowering them to exercise their inherent freedoms.
Learn more about our new bureau here.
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2024 National American Muslim Policy Conference
Through a joint initiative by the Muslim Public Affairs Council, American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP), Emgage Action, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), and Muslim Civic Coalition held the 2024 National American Muslim Policy Conference on June 5th in Washington, D.C.
The confere nce brought together policymakers, community leaders, and subject matter experts to address the pressing policy priorities and challenges facing American Muslim communities. The collective insights and collaborative spirit demonstrated during the event have laid the groundwork for impactful policy advocacy and community empowerment.
The panel discussions covered critical topics, including:
- U.S. Foreign Policy and Human Rights: A Call for Consistency
- Islamophobia and Protecting Our Communities During a Time of Polarization
- The Muslim Vote, Elections 2024: What is at Stake?
- Mental Health, Humanitarian, and Healthcare Crisis
With election season in full swing, it is crucial to set policy priorities that align with the needs of American Muslims. Our community’s voices must be heard and represented in the policymaking process.
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U.S. Complicity in Nuseirat Camp Massacre
On June 8th, the world witnessed yet another devastating massacre in Gaza. The Israeli assault on the Nuseirat refugee camp resulted in the slaughter of at least 274 people, including 64 children, and left over 700 injured.
The role of the United States in this massacre cannot be ignored. Reports indicate that Israeli and US military and intelligence officials created a joint fusion cell to collaborate and share satellite images and communications. Moreover, US-made bombs were utilized in the attack on Nuseirat. This implicates the US not just as a passive ally but as an active participant in the massacre.
Read our full article here.
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MPAC recently participated in an amicus brief opposing the "TikTok Ban bill," which aims to ban TikTok for 170 million US users. This ban fails to safeguard US national security or the American public. It is an excessively harsh measure that contradicts the Constitution, and will harm the creators and marginalized communities whose narratives are suppressed on other platforms. Senior Advisor Faiyaz Hussain joined ABC Live to explain how the ban would deprive minority groups of a crucial tool for advocacy.
Watch the breakdown of the bill here.
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Sunday, July 21st, MPAC invites you to join us for a special Gaza and Freedom of Speech Conference. In collaboration with the Islamic Center of Southern California, our event will feature a diverse panel of speakers, along with student representatives from USC and UCLA, to address the critical issues surrounding Gaza and the fundamental right to freedom of speech. This will be an invaluable opportunity to engage with experts, community leaders, and fellow attendees on these pressing topics.
In an era where voices are increasingly being silenced and dissent is often met with repression, we must stand firm in defending our right to freedom of expression. Let us unite to amplify the call for justice and the protection of free speech for all.
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Candid Conversations: 2024 Presidential Election
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.
In our latest conversation, MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati met with Dr. Jill Stein, physician, environmental activist, and 2024 Green Party presidential candidate. Dr. Stein called out the U.S. for their negligence in upholding the democratic values of our nation and our trajectory towards a militarized police state that ignores the concerns of the people. We also discussed the distrust in mainstream media regarding the coverage of Palestine, the influence of AIPAC on our current political landscape, the crucial need for livable wages alongside affordable housing, and much more.
Catch up with all videos here.
NOTE: This is for educational purposes only and not an endorsement. We’ve invited all candidates to get a better understanding of their views and positions and will issue each recording as they are completed.
Stay tuned for more Candid Conversations!
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