Check out the latest updates from MPAC's Policy Bureau

Issue 19: August 14, 2024

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

July in DC – MPAC, ICSC Hold Gaza and Our Freedom of Speech Conference ([link removed]) , What's Happening on the Hill, The Essential Role of Engagement in Achieving Justice and Representation ([link removed]) , Netanyahu Unwelcome: Jewish Leaders and Allies Demand Change ([link removed]) , An Inflection Point for American Democracy ([link removed]) , President Biden’s Withdrawal: A Turning Point for American Democracy and the Democratic Party ([link removed]) MPAC Welcomes Presidential Appointment of Mohamed Elsanousi as USCIRF Commissioner
([link removed]) , Candid Conversations: 2024 Elections ([link removed])

MPAC, ICSC Hold Gaza and Our Freedom of Speech Conference ([link removed])
[link removed]
In July, MPAC partnered with the Islamic Center of Southern California to host our pivotal Gaza and Our Freedom of Speech Conference. This event brought together an insightful panel of advocacy experts, including student representatives from USC and UCLA, to delve into the critical issues surrounding the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the rise in challenges to our fundamental right to freedom of speech.

In a time when dissenting voices are increasingly being silenced and persecuted, our commitment to defending the right to freedom of expression becomes even more crucial. Events like these are essential for our community as they not only educate but also empower us to collectively stand firm in our efforts to promote human rights and justice for all who face oppression, both at home and abroad.

Watch the Full Conference Panels Here ([link removed])


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What's Happening on the Hill?
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MPAC Coalition Letter on Sudan
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MPAC recently led a coalition letter to President Biden to bring attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The conflict has claimed over 40,000 lives, displaced more than 8 million people, and left 25 million facing severe food insecurity.

In the letter, we specified the following policy recommendations:

1. Introduce a framework to protect and deliver aid and officially declare a famine
* The United Nations reports that their “Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan” requires $2.7 billion to provide sufficient aid to Sudan, but only 16% of that has been funded thus far.
* It is incumbent on the United States to work with international aid organizations to create a framework to bypass the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) blockages and looting to ensure that humanitarian and resettlement resources are actually reaching civilians in Sudan and for the refugees fleeing to bordering nations.

2. Urge the United Arab Emirates to Engage in Peace Talks and Halt Weapons Trade
* The UAE is a steadfast supporter of the RSF, providing them with weapons to continue this war. There are more weapons entering Sudan than aid; a fact discussed by Senator Coons during the May 1st Conflict and Humanitarian Emergency in Sudan: Urgent Call to Action hearing hosted by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
* Any hope for a sustained ceasefire in Sudan depends on the cooperation of the UAE in attending and engaging in Jeddah process peace talks. We therefore urge the Administration to call on its ally to demand a ceasefire and hold the UAE accountable for their exploitative role in supplying arms to the RSF.

In addition to working with the administration, we are actively pursuing this on Capitol Hill, including engaging members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to emphasize the urgency of this issue.

Related to our second recommendation to the Biden Administration, we believe that Congresswoman Sara Jacobs’ (CA-51) "Stand Up For Sudan" legislation, which seeks to prohibit arms sales to the UAE until they cease supplying weapons to the RSF, represents a significant first step. We hope to see this critical legislation passed on the House floor.

Fueling Chaos: Tracing the Flow of Tax-Exempt Dollars to Antisemitism

The House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight recently held a hearing ([link removed]) titled ”Fueling Chaos: Tracing the Flow of Tax-Exempt Dollars to Antisemitism,” marking another step in a broader effort to delegitimize and criminalize opposition to Israel.

Since the outset of what has become a genocide in Gaza, there has been a widespread push to permanently silence the voices of those who are speaking up about the atrocities committed by Israel. One of the main features of that effort has been to conflate being pro-peace or pro-ceasefire with being pro-Hamas.

Over the last several months, the House of Representatives has taken several steps to advance these efforts, most notably:
* Passing the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which would enshrine the IHRA definition of antisemitism (effectively conflating opposing Israel with being antisemitic), potentially jeopardizing federal funding for colleges and universities that do not suppress student voices critical of Israel.
* Passing legislation ([link removed]) granting the Secretary of the Treasury broad discretionary authority to terminate the tax-exempt status of nonprofit organizations deemed terrorist-supporting organizations.
+ It’s worth noting that supporting terrorist organizations is already a crime, and this bill includes no meaningful protection against that determination being made on ideological grounds as opposed to factual realities.

The recent hearing was the latest in a series of concerning actions. Prior to the hearing, MPAC met with members of the Subcommittee to emphasize that these efforts create a false sense of security at the cost of our civil liberties. We also urged them to demonstrate their commitment to free speech and encourage open debate rather than stifling dissent by mislabeling it as antisemitic or pro-Hamas.

The Essential Role of Engagement in MPAC's Efforts to Achieve Justice and Representation ([link removed])
As an American Muslim organization, MPAC supports a robust approach to safeguarding all civil liberties. Our nation cannot be truly secure when the civil liberties of any community are curtailed, and a holistic approach to removing unjust policies for all is incumbent upon us.

At MPAC, our engagement is a form of resistance. We seek to enact change in accordance with our principles of engagement and achieve long-lasting progress on our policy priorities:
* Thought Leadership: We produce substantive policy analysis that impacts public discourse and shapes conversations rather than merely reacting.

* Advocacy: We actively expand our relationships with lawmakers, federal agencies, and local governments to advance our policy agenda and oppose actions negatively impacting our communities.

* Leadership Development: We empower American Muslims to engage effectively in policy, from nurturing young leaders interested in public service to helping established professionals leverage their expertise for the greater good.

* Coalition Building: We establish productive partnerships with communities and organizations that share our goals and face similar challenges, amplifying the efforts of allies promoting justice, freedom, and equality for all.

Learn more about our full engagement model here ([link removed]) .
Netanyahu Unwelcome: Jewish Leaders and Allies Demand Change ([link removed])
“Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal. He should not be invited to address a joint meeting of Congress. I certainly will not attend.”

This is how Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT), one of the most prominent Jewish members of Congress, summarized his decision to skip Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress.

Unfortunately, right-wing organizations like AIPAC and the ADL have co-opted the voice of the Jewish community, and they have used their platform to ensure all those who oppose Israeli policies are tarred as antisemitic. In doing so, they insist that the US national security apparatus must stand up in their defense– often at the expense of our community.

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

An Inflection Point for American Democracy ([link removed])

The attempted assassination of former President Trump presents a critical moment for policymakers to reassess strategies for safeguarding democracy, promoting unity, and upholding ethical standards in political engagement. Addressing these issues is essential for restoring public trust, fostering national unity, and reinforcing America’s leadership in democratic governance on the global stage.

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

President Biden’s Withdrawal: A Turning Point for American Democracy and the Democratic Party ([link removed])

President Biden’s decision to end his campaign for re-election is a testament to the resilience of American democracy. Despite its flaws, our political system continues to ensure that the will of the people is heard. While the Democratic Party may have pivoted to a new presidential ticket, we must be clear about what led us here.

Biden’s decision was not only driven by a poor debate performance or a lackluster campaign in the subsequent weeks. Despite positioning himself to serve another four years in the White House leading into October 2023, his response to the events of October 7th alienated many within his party, and the broader American public. His staunch support of Israel eroded the support of his base, particulary young voters and voters of color, who overwhelmingly disapproved of Israel’s militaristic agenda.

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

MPAC Welcomes Presidential Appointment of Mohamed Elsanousi as USCIRF Commissioner ([link removed])
MPAC welcomes President Biden’s appointment of Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi as a Commissioner on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Dr. Elsanousi’s extensive background in interfaith dialogue, religious freedom advocacy, and his commitment to safeguarding the rights of religious minorities make him an encouraging choice for this critical role.

While we strongly oppose President Biden’s policies regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, we believe it is imperative to remain engaged in efforts that tackle the growing religious freedom and human rights violations across the globe.

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


** In Case You Missed It:
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ABC News
Racial equality groups join fight against potential TikTok ban ([link removed])
[link removed]

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 ([link removed]) .

Candid Conversations: 2024 Elections ([link removed])

With the 2024 election year underway, it is important that we remember that our votes and our voices matter. We’ve invited both presidential and congressional 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.

[link removed]

In our latest installment of Candid Conversations, MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati touched base with Imraan Siddiqi ([link removed]) – civil rights activist, community leader, and 2024 congressional candidate for Washington’s 8th District. During our call, Siddiqi spoke on the misuse of our tax dollars to further Israel's bombing campaign and genocide of the Palestinian people. He stressed that while many Americans at home face severe income inequality, housing market inflation, and rising healthcare costs, our tax dollars are being used to perpetuate violence and suffering abroad. Instead, Siddiqi argued these federal funds could be better allocated towards essential needs, such as affordable housing, education, healthcare, and infrastructure, to foster a more equitable society for all.

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

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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