During the three-day advocacy event, Muslims urged Congress to support the free speech rights of student protesters, advocated for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and called for the free flow of humanitarian aid to Palestinians, including the resumption of U.S. support for UNRWA.
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/2/2024) – The U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), the nation’s largest American Muslim civil society umbrella organization, today announced the successful completion of the 9th Annual Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. The theme of this year’s #MuslimHillDay was “Unifying Muslim Voices: Advocating for Justice, Equality, and Palestinian Rights.”
Some 700 American Muslim delegates from 25 states traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with more than 200 congressional offices in the U.S. House and Senate over three days, from Monday, April 29 to Wednesday, May 1.
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Muslim delegates from across the nation visited the offices of their respective members of Congress, fostering meaningful dialogues on crucial issues impacting the Muslim American community. The primary focus of these meetings was to urge Muslim’s members of Congress to support:
- Combating anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia on college campuses and supporting student’s free speech rights.
- Advocating for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and an end to all U.S. weapons transfers and aid to Israel, to prevent further escalation of violence and contribute to long-term peace and stability in the region.
- Urging for the immediate release of humanitarian aid and assistance to support the reconstruction efforts in Gaza, addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people affected by the conflict, and reinstating funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
In a statement, USCMO Secretary General Oussama Jammal said:
“This year’s National Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill witnessed our community passionately advocating for our voiceless Palestinian brothers and sisters in Gaza and the West Bank, demanding an immediate ceasefire and an end to Israel’s targeted violence that threatens their lives and existence. In solidarity with tens of thousands of protesting students, including over a thousand facing arrests, we urged Congress to uphold their fundamental right to free speech.
“Our #MuslimHillDay exemplifies the united and unwavering dedication of the American Muslim community in shaping policies rooted in justice, equality, and inclusion. We take immense pride in surpassing previous records with unprecedented attendance and congressional engagement.
“USCMO extends heartfelt gratitude to all participants, community leaders, and congressional offices whose tireless efforts contributed to this resounding success. Your dedication and commitment to civic engagement mirror the core values of democracy and active citizenship.”
In a statement, Chair of the USCMO National Muslim Advocacy Day Steering Committee and CAIR Director of Government Affairs Department Robert S. McCaw said:
“As Congress voted to approve billions in military aid for Israel amidst its perpetration of genocide, American Muslims participating in the National Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill stood as a solemn reminder of the Palestinian lives diminished, dehumanized, and lost, funded by our taxpayer dollars. We refuse to be complicit in the U.S. government’s support of such actions. Our voices, alongside those of student protesters and countless others, echo the urgent call for justice, accountability, and an end to this cycle of violence.”
In addition to the series of meetings with members of Congress, USCMO partnered with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, AJP Action, and Islamic Relief USA to organize a comprehensive policy and advocacy training session on Monday morning at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center’s auditorium. This training equipped participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively engage in policy discussions and advocate for their community’s interests.
Throughout the week, Muslim delegates operated out of the Rayburn House Office Building, ensuring a central location for coordinated efforts in engaging with Congress. This strategic approach allowed for efficient communication and collaboration among attendees, enabling them to maximize their impact during the 9th Annual Muslim Advocacy Day.
Founding members of USCMO include American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA), Muslim American Society (MAS), Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), Muslim Ummah of North America (MUNA), The Mosque Cares (Ministry of Imam W. Deen Mohammed).
