Shia Muslim Foundation Joins MPAC in Honoring South Africa for its Support of Palestine

(WASHINGTON, DC - February 27, 2024) - The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) was among the attendees of a special event hosted by the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) at the South African Embassy in Washington DC on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. The event was held to express gratitude to the government of South Africa for the case it brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israel's actions in Gaza.

Salam Maryati, President of MPAC, presented an award to the Embassy, recognizing South Africa's leadership and courage in standing up for the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. He praised South Africa's history of fighting against apartheid and oppression, and its solidarity with the global Muslim community.

Shelley Cohen Fudge, from Jewish Voice for Peace, also spoke at the event, highlighting the importance of interfaith cooperation and dialogue in advancing the cause of peace and justice in the Middle East. She expressed her hope that more organizations and groups would challenge Israel's violations of international law and human rights.

The South African Ambassador to the United States accepted the award on behalf of his country, and thanked MPAC and the community for their support and friendship. He reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to the ICJ case, and its belief that a peaceful and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved through respect for the rule of law. The Ambassador specifically thanked members of the Jewish community that had shown support for the Palestinian cause.

The event was attended by representatives from various Muslim, Jewish, and civil society organizations.

The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the values and teachings of Shia Islam, and to foster understanding and cooperation among people of different faiths and backgrounds. The SMF also supports humanitarian and educational projects in various parts of the world, especially in areas affected by conflict and poverty. The main work of the SMF is to support the civic rights of American Shia Muslims, and to advocate on social and political issues, such as the case of Palestine.

MPAC works to improve the public's understanding of American Muslims and advocates for policies that positively impact them. They engage with the government, media, and various communities to further this mission. MPAC's work includes combating Islamophobia, educating the public about Islam and Muslims, participating in interfaith dialogue, advocating on policy issues affecting American Muslims, and fostering community development initiatives.

Shia Muslim Foundation Welcomes President Biden's Decision to Protect Palestinians in the US

WASHINGTON DC, February 14, 2024 - SMF welcomes President Biden's decision to grant deferred enforced departure (DED) to certain Palestinians who are present in the United States, as announced by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on February 14, 2024. This decision recognizes the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where thousands of civilians have been killed or injured by Israeli attacks since October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a terrorist attack against Israel.

By granting DED, President Biden is providing a temporary safe haven to an estimated 6,000 Palestinians in the US, who would otherwise face the risk of deportation to a war-torn region. DED is a discretionary authority that allows the President to defer the removal of any foreign nationals whose return to their country of origin would pose a danger to their lives or well-being. DED also authorizes employment for eligible individuals for the duration of the deferral period.

SMF hopes that this decision will encourage other countries to follow suit and offer protection and assistance to the Palestinians in need. SMF reiterates it's call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.

SMF urges President Biden to continue his efforts to end the violence and achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East, based on justice, dignity, and human rights for all. SMF also calls on the international community to support the delivery of humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of Gaza, and to hold accountable those who have committed war crimes and violated international law.

SMF stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspirations for freedom, self-determination, and statehood.

Shia Muslim Foundation Participates in DHS Meeting Addressing Travel Concerns

WASHINGTON, DC - February 13, 2024 - The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) was honored to participate in a crucial meeting convened by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on February 13, 2024. The meeting, held virtually, brought together representatives from various community organizations and DHS officials to discuss pressing concerns related to travel policies and procedures affecting diverse communities, including Shia Muslims.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks from DHS officials, highlighting the importance of engaging with community stakeholders to address travel-related challenges. DHS Assistant Secretary Brenda Abdelall and other high ranking officals spoke at the discussion, inviting participants to share their experiences and concerns.

During the meeting, participants engaged in a comprehensive discussion on various aspects of travel policies, including trusted traveler programs, redress procedures, and screening protocols. Representatives from community organizations shared firsthand accounts of individuals encountering challenges at ports of entry, such as prolonged screening processes and visa denials. These personal anecdotes underscored the need for greater transparency and consistency in the application of travel policies to ensure fairness for all travelers.

Assistant Secretary Abdelall and other officials provided insights into DHS's efforts to address community concerns and improve the travel experience for all individuals. They highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing communication between DHS and community

stakeholders, as well as efforts to streamline redress processes and minimize unnecessary delays in visa processing. Additionally, DHS officials reiterated their commitment to upholding civil rights and non-discrimination principles in all aspects of their operations.

Throughout the meeting, participants also discussed the importance of collaboration between DHS and community organizations in addressing travel-related challenges. They emphasized the need for continued dialogue and partnership to identify systemic issues and develop effective solutions that promote inclusivity and respect for diverse cultural and religious practices.

During the meeting, representatives from SMF actively engaged in discussions concerning visa denials and prolonged processing times faced by Shia Muslim scholars traveling for religious purposes. SMF raised the critical issue of Shia scholars being unfairly targeted due to their travel to countries of religious significance, such as Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Lebanon. The Foundation emphasized the detrimental impact of such visa denials on religious and cultural exchange within the Shia Muslim community.

"Today's meeting provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to voice concerns and seek solutions to the challenges faced by Shia Muslims traveling for religious purposes," said a spokesperson for SMF. "We are grateful for the opportunity to engage with DHS and other community organizations to advocate for fair and transparent travel policies."

In addition to raising concerns about visa denials, other participants emphasized the need for enhanced communication and transparency in screening procedures and redress processes. The attendees underscored the importance of addressing exceptions to prohibitions on profiling, particularly those impacting Muslim travelers.

Throughout the meeting, participants engaged in constructive dialogue, sharing personal anecdotes and community experiences to illustrate the impact of current travel policies. DHS officials acknowledged the validity of concerns raised by community organizations and expressed a commitment to working collaboratively to address them.