Muslim Americans seek to channel tragedy into community service efforts

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More than 25,000 US Muslims attended the annual Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) conference in Baltimore on Saturday and Sunday. The event featured speakers who addressed recent violence against Muslim Americans and emphasized the importance of community activism.

The conference took place following a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, which killed three people. Speakers highlighted the bravery of the victims, including Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha, and Nadir Awad, who risked their lives to save others during the attack.

ICNA officials stated that they relied on multiple layers of security to ensure the safety of attendees, including their own security guards, an outside firm, and local law enforcement agencies. The organization also emphasized the need for Muslim Americans to take action against bigotry and hate.

Speakers at the conference encouraged community members to engage in activism, such as voting, organizing, and donating to institutions that align with their values. They also stressed the importance of holding officials accountable and advocating for human rights, particularly in the context of Israel’s actions in Palestine.

The event featured a range of speakers, including Lena Masri, who highlighted the need for Muslim Americans to stand up against Islamophobia and advocate for justice. Altaf Husain, a professor at Howard University School of Social Work, noted that anti-Palestinian voices are trying to silence criticism of Israel by intimidating Muslims.

ICNA President Saad Kazmi stated that the organization is committed to working with “sensible” people across the political spectrum to defeat hate and promote justice. The conference also featured a bazaar where attendees could purchase items with symbols of Palestine, such as watermelons and keffiyeh-patterned scarves.

Source: Al Jazeera