WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF), attended a briefing with the White House National Security Council on Friday, October 13, 2023. The meeting, facilitated by Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, gathered various Muslim and civic rights organizations, all unified by profound concern regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amidst Israel's continued military campaign.
In a candid conversation, attendees highlighted the devastating situation faced by civilians in Gaza, urging for strong diplomatic efforts to ease the humanitarian crisis. Personal stories brought a somber reality to the meeting: participants shared that they had family in Palestine and were painfully unaware of whether their loved ones were alive or not.
The situation on US college campuses was also discussed, with a clear message: the White House must take steps to safeguard Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian students from hostility and ensure they have a safe learning environment.
Rhetoric against the Muslim community, from both political parties, was compared to the Islamophobia experienced after the 9/11 attacks. This, participants pointed out, was horrifying and unacceptable and that the White House was urged take action to protect American Muslims.
The Shia Muslim Foundation calls upon the White House to push for a cease fire in the region. There are reports that countless Palestinian children have been killed in the past week during these hostilities. Children should never be the casualties of conflict. Regardless of their heritage or country of origin, every child deserves a future and no legitimate goal can ever be accomplished by the deaths of children.
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