Muslim Public Affairs Council - MPAC

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We’re changing how America views Islam and Muslims! For media or press inquiries: [email protected].
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10/21/2026

Chicago, thank you for showing up and making this an unforgettable evening!

The MPAC team extends its sincere gratitude to the Chicago community for the tremendous support shown at our recent Empowering Voices Gala!

In Chicago, we were honored to have and recognize:

-Renowned journalist and founder of Zeteo, Mehdi Hasan deliver the keynote address
-Badie and Hamza Ali of Watermelon Pictures for their contributions to independent cinema and cultural representation
-Dr. Rami Nashashibi of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) for his longstanding commitment to community development and social justice
-Imam Jamil Wright for his religious leadership and service to the community
-Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge for his contributions to public service and civic leadership
-Talented vocalist Rhuma Ghazi, who delivered a soulful and moving performance

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us, supported our work, and helped make this evening possible. Your continued commitment to MPAC's mission and the communities we serve is what allows us to carry this important work forward.

10/21/2026

Los Angeles, you showed up and showed out!

MPAC’s Empowering Voices Gala brought together an incredible community of leaders, advocates, artists, and supporters for an evening celebrating the voices and stories shaping a more just future.

In Los Angeles, we were honored to have and recognize:

-Political commentator and journalist Ana Kasparian for her contributions to independent journalism and public discourse.
-Acclaimed actress, director, and producer Cherien Dabis for her work elevating underrepresented voices and bringing Arab American stories to the screen.
-The late Amin Abdullah, posthumously honored following his tragic death in the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego.
-Imam Taha Hassane for his leadership and service to his congregation in the wake of the tragedy, reflecting the community's strength and resilience.

The recognition of Amin Abdullah and Imam Taha Hassane was a particularly moving part of the evening, honoring both the life lost and the community that continues to carry its memory forward.

This is what it looks like when community comes together with purpose.

The work continues. The impact grows.

10/21/2026

MPAC condemns the alleged mass shooting plot targeting a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, and stands in full solidarity with the Hindu community.

The suspect's reported manifesto, which expressed white supremacist ideology and violent hatred toward Indian, Jewish, and Black communities, is a disturbing reminder that extremist violence rarely targets just one group.

The growing normalization of white supremacist rhetoric in our political climate poses a serious threat to religious and minority communities across the country. No one should have to fear for their safety while practicing their faith.

We commend the individual who alerted authorities and the swift law enforcement response that may have prevented a devastating tragedy. This incident reinforces the importance of remaining vigilant, reporting credible threats, and maintaining close relationships between faith institutions and local law enforcement.

An attack against one faith community is a threat to all.

Read MPAC's full statement here: mpac.org/mpac-statements

10/21/2026

MPAC condemns the apparent political targeting and intimidation of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar following a federal search of her home and reports that the Trump administration is pursuing efforts to strip her of her U.S. citizenship.

Coming just weeks before the midterm elections, these developments raise serious concerns about the politicization of federal law enforcement and the use of government institutions to intimidate political opposition.

The Department of Justice must uphold its responsibility to enforce the law impartially, free from political interference.

Read MPAC’s full statement at mpac.org/mpac-statements

10/21/2026

“It has been demoralizing to see how Western major media decides who is human and who is not.”

When corporate boardrooms and political orthodoxy dictate news coverage, the First Amendment ceases to function as a public safeguard.

In this preview of The MPAC Podcast ( releasing Friday, October 23rd), host Salam Al-Marayati and former Washington Post Global Opinions founding editor Karen Attiah confront the reality of access journalism.

When media institutions prioritize political favor and corporate spreadsheets over human truth, dissent is quickly silenced and those outside the consensus become persona non grata.

Protecting a free press requires more than constitutional text - it demands a total separation of media and state.

Full episode premieres Friday, October 23rd. Tap the link in our bio to subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

The views, statements, and opinions expressed by guests on The MPAC Podcast are solely those of the individual guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), host Salam Al-Marayati, its leadership, board, or staff.

JournalismMatters MediaCriticism CivilRights IndependentMedia

10/14/2026

“We came here as political dissidents, minding our own business and still, foreign governments try to spy on us and put us on terrorist lists.”

Many American families fled authoritarian regimes in the Middle East seeking constitutional protections and freedom of speech, only to face covert intimidation from those same governments on U.S. soil.

On Episode 11 of The MPAC Podcast, Salam Al-Marayati and The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur break down the reality of foreign pressure campaigns targeting peaceful American critics.

Cenk exposes the glaring hypocrisy in modern foreign policy alliances, challenging how authoritarian states deflect scrutiny while everyday American citizens are subjected to surveillance and character assassination.

How should the U.S. government better protect American citizens and dissidents from foreign surveillance and intimidation? Drop your thoughts below.

Tap the link in our bio to watch the full conversation with Cenk Uygur on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Disclaimer: The views, statements, and opinions expressed by guests on The MPAC Podcast are solely those of the individual guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), host Salam Al-Marayati, its leadership, board, or staff.

TransnationalRepression ForeignPolicy FreeSpeech Accountability

10/12/2026

“The minute you call it a genocide, then the funding becomes unconscionable. That’s a question they can’t answer, so they have to insist that it’s not one.”

Local elections are increasingly shaped by federal and international political pressures.

During a recent Los Angeles mayoral debate between Mayor Karen Bass and Nithya Raman, foreign policy terminology became the defining litmus test of the night.

On Episode 11 of The MPAC Podcast, Cenk Uygur breaks down why elected officials face immense donor pressure over how they address international human rights violations.

When political rhetoric is dictated by campaign donors rather than constituent demands, it exposes systemic issues in our campaign finance and electoral systems.

Should local municipal leaders be evaluated on international policy positions, or strictly on local governance? Share your take below.

Tap the link in our bio to watch the full conversation with Cenk Uygur on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Disclaimer: The views, statements, and opinions expressed by guests on The MPAC Podcast are solely those of the individual guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), host Salam Al-Marayati, its leadership, board, or staff.

CampaignFinance PoliticalAccountability ElectionsMatter

10/09/2026

“If you’re a Muslim American, you are 100% American. You have all of your American rights, and those rights aren’t worth anything if you don’t use them.”

Too many communities have faced professional pressure, social silencing, and fear for simply speaking up.

On Episode 11 of The MPAC Podcast, Cenk Uygur shares an urgent call to action.

Drawing on over two decades of challenging establishment politics, he explains why this moment demands civic courage rather than retreat.

Constitutional rights and free speech are not passive privileges - they must be actively exercised. When everyday citizens refuse to be intimidated and demand accountability, the balance of power begins to shift.

What steps can our communities take right now to exercise our constitutional rights more boldly? Drop your thoughts below.

Tap the link in our bio to watch the full conversation with Cenk Uygur on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Disclaimer:
The views, statements, and opinions expressed by guests on The MPAC Podcast are solely those of the individual guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), host Salam Al-Marayati, its leadership, board, or staff.

10/07/2026

It is your final chance to reserve your spot for the 2026 MPAC Empowering Voices Gala on October 10th, Saturday in Los Angeles! ✨

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating leadership, advocacy, and storytelling with Imam Taha Hassane, Ana Kasparian, and Cherien Dabis.

We will also stand together in solemn gratitude to posthumously honor Amin Abdullah, the heroic security guard who gave his life protecting others at the Islamic Center of San Diego.

🗓 Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Tickets & Details: gala.mpac.org

🔗 Get your tickets now: https://secure.everyaction.com/NRhz7C7JAkurk0jv5oo4Rw2

10/07/2026

You could have 98% of the American people on your side, but as long as the 2% are corrupt and work for the bad guys, the 98% aren’t going to matter.

For decades, public opinion was steered into endless wars through institutional media narratives. Today, the script has flipped - the vast majority of Americans oppose these conflicts.

So why does foreign policy stay the same?

On The MPAC Podcast, The Young Turks creator Cenk Uygur joins Salam Al-Marayati to cut through establishment talking points.

They analyze how legacy media shielded political donors, what it takes to break corporate control over government decisions, and why popular majorities must organize to demand authentic representation.

If the majority of Americans agree on ending endless foreign intervention, what is the single biggest barrier stopping Washington from listening? Drop your take below.

Tap the link in our bio to stream the full episode with Cenk Uygur on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

ForeignPolicy Populism IndependentMedia PoliticalReform

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