Shia Muslim Foundation Joins Civil Rights Meeting with Federal Agencies

(WASHINGTON, DC - February 27, 2024) The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the rights and welfare of Shia Muslims in the United States, participated in a meeting with federal agencies on civil rights issues affecting Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim communities on February 27, 2024.

The meeting, hosted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), brought together representatives from various community groups and civil rights organizations to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing their communities in the areas of hate crimes, federal profiling, education, and employment.

The meeting was opened by Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at DOJ, and Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at DHS, who reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans, regardless of their race, religion, national origin, or ethnicity.

The SMF, along with other groups such as Emgage, CAIR, Muflehun, ADC, Muslim Advocates, and MPAC, presented their concerns and recommendations on various topics, including:

• The increase in reported hate crimes and incidents targeting Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim communities, especially in the wake of the recent conflict in Gaza and the upcoming presidential election.

• The impact of targeted violence on institutions and communities, and the need for more agency efforts to prevent anti-Arab and Islamophobic hate from impacting neighborhoods and houses of worship.

• The federal profiling and targeting of Arabs, Palestinians, and Muslims by law enforcement and immigration authorities, and the need for more transparency and accountability on watchlist policies, cell phone searches, nondiscrimination standards, and parole programs.

• The censorship and suppression of Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim voices online by social media companies, and the need for more oversight and regulation on content moderation and free speech.

• The rise in Islamophobia in the education sector, and the need for more strategies and resources to combat discrimination and harassment of students and teachers in schools and universities.

• The effect of anti-Arab discrimination and Islamophobia on employment, and the need for more EEOC involvement and community engagement on this issue.

The meeting served as a valuable forum for open dialogue and collaboration between the government and Muslim community organizations. Both agencies expressed their commitment to working together to address the concerns raised and ensure the safety and well-being of all Americans.

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.