Eid Interfaith Press Conference calling on US Gov to Preserve Religious Freedom of Palestinians, A reflection on Mothers and their sacrifice, and more

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Issue 25: Friday, 14 May 2021
— THIS WEEK IN DC —

Homeland Security Announces New Efforts To Combat Violent Extremism In The US; CDC Advisory Panel Recommends Use Of Pfizer Vaccine For Kids 12 To 15; Rep. Liz Cheney Voted Out Of House GOP Leadership; US Inflation Sees Biggest Jump Since 2008; Over 100 Republicans, Including Former Officials, Threaten To Split From GOP; DC Aims For Full Reopening, With Masks, By June 11; Biden Thanks Governors For ‘American Progress’ As He Holds Meeting On Vaccinations.
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From the entire DC Bureau and everyone at MPAC, we hope that you and your family had a joyous Eid al-Fitr.

Over these past 30 days, we have faced and overcome many challenges, but they too shall pass. We hope you have enjoyed spiritual renewal and a refreshed outlook during this blessed month. May our good deeds be accepted and every people of every nation enjoy mercy, justice, peace, & human dignity. Eid Mubarak! Eid Kareem!

IN THIS ISSUE
* Statement: MPAC Denounces Israeli Aggression Against Palestinians
* Featured: Reflections on this Past Mother’s Day: Mother's Day Should be Everyday
* The Weight of Hate: Why America Cannot Wait to Combat Anti-Immigrant Sentiment Any Longer by Mucteba Gokcek, MPAC Policy Intern, High School Future Leaders Fellowship

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Statement: MPAC Denounces Israeli Aggression Against Palestinians
The ongoing attacks on al-Aqsa Mosque and evictions in Sheikh Jarrah are a gross violation of international law, human rights, and religious freedom. Historically, America has upheld these values and led the world in its pursuit. The conditions in Jerusalem require the same degree of attention and intervention we have focused in other regions, as the rights, lives, and well-being of a people are under attack physically, spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically.

Read our statement → ([link removed])

MPAC held a special Interfaith Eid Press Conference calling on the US gov't to Preserve the Religious Freedom and Rights of Palestinians. Click the link below for compelling testimony from Muslim-Jewish-Christian Faith leaders.

Watch our Eid Press Conference ([link removed])

FEATURED ISSUE

Reflections on this Past Mother’s Day: Mother's Day Should be Everyday
By: Iman Ali, MPAC’s Policy and Programming Coordinator

Growing up, I always enjoyed the excitement that surrounded Mother’s Day. From a tender age our teachers, who for many of us were like a second parent, would guide us in making the perfect card, craft, or token to share with our moms on their special day. And come that second Sunday in May, mother’s all over the world were able to feel a fraction of the true thanks they deserve — if only in the form of an overglittered card.

As a part of my Mother’s day gift for my Ami, I promised to help with some spring cleaning, during which I found a box of every single artwork my sisters and I had ever made for my mom. What was essentially a pile of junk to me, was arguably among my mother’s most cherished items. As I walked over to the trash pile, my mom quickly grabbed the box from me and said “One day when you have children, you will understand.” Her words have been on my mind since.

Do I really have to have children to be able to empathize with mothers?

Read the full article → ([link removed])

Great young leaders grow into impactful change makers and opinion shapers. With this in mind, we’re proud to be nurturing the next generation of Muslim talent through our Young Leaders Program. For this week’s issue, we are proud to present an analysis, written by MPAC policy intern, and high school Future Leaders Fellow, Mucteba Gokcek

The Weight of Hate: Why America Cannot Wait to Combat Anti-Immigrant Sentiment Any Longer

By: Mucteba Gokcek, MPAC Policy Intern, High School Future Leaders Fellowship
The United States is a nation of immigrants. It was originally formed as a safe haven for people who fled religious and ethnic persecution, however, over time, newcomers faced various forms of discrimination. The anti-immigrant sentiment then became rooted in policy, and its remains can still be found in legislation. Various laws have been passed in the Congress to uphold different forms of discrimination from slavery to anti-Asian and Islamophobic policies. Our democratic traditions and institutions embedded in the US Constitution prevailed over the years as new legislation that promoted bigotry was introduced, with many discriminatory bills prevented from coming to fruition, such as the series of Anti-Sharia legislation that was proposed in state legislatures around the country after 9/11.

The historical examples of anti-immigrant legislation constitute a clear sign of a persistent issue we need to be aware of. From African Americans to Asians, Mexicans to Muslims, minority groups have been targeted by discriminatory legislation and continue to be impacted by the vitriol of its legacy to this day.

Read the full article → ([link removed])

Support the next generation of Muslim policy talent with a Zakat-eligible Eid gift today. ([link removed])
Donate Here ([link removed])

GOOD TO KNOW
* How Muslim families celebrated ([link removed]) a second pandemic Ramadan
* Benefits of COVID vaccine outweigh ([link removed]) risks in teens, CDC tells advisers
* Migrant children held ([link removed]) in mass shelters with little oversight
* Ahmaud Arbery: Georgia abolishes ([link removed]) citizen's arrest law
* California governor announces ([link removed]) $12 Billion homeless plan
* Judge says ([link removed]) NRA isn’t bankrupt and can’t move out of New York to avoid lawsuit
* Sheikh Jarrah highlights ([link removed]) the violent brazenness of Israel’s colonialist project


ICYMI:

“The American Muslim identity is part of our philosophy. We want to create an environment where American life and Muslim life are interwoven.”
— SALAM AL-MARAYATI, MPAC PRESIDENT —

By: Layla Shaikley, Muslims Doing Things Podcast

Salam Al-Marayati was new to the workforce when he founded one of the oldest national American Muslim advocacy and public policy organizations (MPAC). In 1988, it was clear the Muslims were underrepresented at the policy level. Over three decades later, MPAC’s footprint is undeniable, and the organization continues to widen its impact by creating opportunities for Muslims to work in Washington, Hollywood, and within American media.
Listen to the story behind MPAC & Salam's journey → ([link removed])

Progress is a Marathon. In this multigenerational effort for change, we are grateful for the support and encouragement from generous members of our community. Without you, none of this would be possible.

In the spirit of Eid, help us continue our work for authentic portrayals and meaningful influence in the policies and narratives that affect us all. Will you help us, help our community with a zakat-eligible contribution today ([link removed]) ?

While the challenges we face are great, they’re not new. We are working every day and partnering with institutions around the country to ensure Muslims are an essential part of a thriving and diverse America. An America that upholds her ideals and lives up to her promise of liberty and justice for all.
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— THIS WEEK IN HISTORY —

May 9, 1966 - 1st black member of Federal Reserve Board (A F Brimmer); May 10, 1775 - Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia names George Washington Supreme Commander; May 9, 1914 - President Woodrow Wilson issues a presidential proclamation that officially establishes the first national Mother's Day holiday; May 10, 1872 - Victoria Woodhull becomes 1st woman nominated for US presidency; May 11, 1963 - Racial bomb attacks in Birmingham AL, targeting African-American leaders of the Birmingham campaign, a mass protest for racial justice; May 12, 1970 - Race riots in Augusta GA; 6 blacks killed (5 by cops); May 13, 1966 - US Federal education funding is denied to 12 school districts in the South because of violations of the 1964 Civil Rights Act; May 14, 1787 - Delegates gather in Philadelphia to draw up US constitution; May 15, 1869 - National Woman Suffrage Association forms in NY.

May 10, 1959 - Soviet forces arrive in Afghanistan; May 11, 2009 - An American soldier in Iraq opened fire on a counseling center at Camp Liberty in Baghdad, leaving 5 other US soldiers dead and 3 soldiers wounded; May 12, 1941 - British forces march into Alexandria, Egypt; May 13, 2007 - 5th Republic protest in support of state secularism held in İzmir, Turkey; May 14, 1963 - Kuwait is 111th member of the United Nations; May 15, 1948 - 28 year old British Mandate over Palestine ends; May 15, 1948 - Troops from Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia attack Israel.

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