Dear [FNAME], 
 

Last week, MPAC hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill advocating for Congress to pass House Resolution 662. In the weeks following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, nine Americans, some Muslim, and others perceived to be Muslim, lost their lives due to hate-fueled attacks. Countless other hate crime victims have continued to be targeted in the aftermath of 9/11. House Resolution 662 honors these victims.

The briefing, attended by congressional staffers and civil society partners, was moderated by the Reverend Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. The moving discussion included impact statements from the widows of Balbir Singh Sodhi and Waqar Hasan, two of the victims of these hate-fueled attacks, which moved the audience to tears. Rais Bhuiyan, founder of World Without Hate, who gained international prominence following his efforts to prevent the execution of a white-supremacist who shot Bhuiyan in a spree of vengeance just ten days after the tragic events of September 11, 2001 also delivered remarks. As the briefing concluded, Mohammad H. Ali, MPAC’s Director of Policy and Government Relations, introduced MPAC’s coalition letter that was sent to Congress requesting that their offices support and co-sponsor H.Res. 662 before the end of the 117th Congress. This coalition, in support of H.Res.662, includes over 35 leading multi-faith and secular national organizations who have joined together to call on Congress to recognize the crimes committed against minorities in the weeks following September 11, 2001. 

Our work starts now.

Over the next four weeks, we will continue leading our coalition to advocate for Congress to pass House Resolution 662 before the end of this congressional session. This resolution lays the foundation for the victims of these hate crimes to finally receive our government’s recognition of the sacrifice that their families made in the days following 9/11, and to have the September 11 Commission and Compensation Fund recognize them as hate crime victims and survivors.

Our work and advocacy on Capitol Hill is possible through your continuous support of MPAC. Thank you for empowering us to bring these voices to the halls of our nation’s legislative branch.

Best
Muhammad Baqir Muhyedeen
MPAC Senior Public Policy and Strategy Manager