Dear John, 


We are thrilled to launch our Emgage Action newsletter, keeping you informed about our critical work and advocacy efforts. As we continue to champion policies and initiatives that uplift Muslim American communities and beyond, we look forward to sharing our latest updates, upcoming events, key statements, and media highlights with you.

 

What We’ve Been Up To

  • Opposing Ethnic Cleansing in Gaza: Emgage Action joined diverse groups in rejecting President Trump's plans to remove Palestinians from Gaza, citing international law and U.S. national interest. Read the statement here.  
  • Lifting Sanctions on Syria: Emgage Action joined 161 American, Syrian, and international humanitarian, civil society, advocacy, and faith-based organizations in sending a letter to President Trump, U.S. agencies, and Congress urging the lifting of sanctions on Syria. These sanctions have exacerbated Syria’s economic and humanitarian crisis, restricting essential aid and recovery efforts. Read more here. 
  • Supporting the NO BAN Act: Emgage Action was proud to support the reintroduction of the NO BAN Act, sponsored by Representative Judy Chu and Senator Chris Coons. The NO BAN Act prevents the U.S. government from issuing discriminatory travel bans based on religion or nationality. It strengthens legal protections to ensure no president can unilaterally ban entire groups of people from entering the country without clear justification. This law helps protect civil rights and promotes a more fair and inclusive immigration system. Read our quote and more here.
  • Celebrating Historic Leadership: We hosted a virtual meet and greet with Mohammad Mohsin Awais, who was recently appointed as the Director of Muslim American Outreach at the New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office. This is a groundbreaking role that will strengthen engagement and support for Muslim Americans across the state.
  • Advocating for Immigrant Communities: Our Florida team went to Tallahassee for Governor DeSantis’ Special Session on Immigration, pushing back against efforts to repeal in-state tuition for DACA recipients and fighting for policies that protect Muslim Americans and immigrant communities. Check out our explainer video here. 
  • Emgage Action at FIU: CEO Wa'el Alzayat recently spoke with students at Florida International University (FIU) about his experience visiting Syria and work in the region as a U.S. diplomat. A heartfelt thank you to the Mohsin & Fauzia Jaffer Center for Muslim World Studies for hosting this important discussion and fostering knowledge and understanding. See more here. 
  • Staff Retreat in Florida: Our team recently gathered for an incredible staff retreat in Florida, strengthening our vision and commitment to advocacy.
 

Upcoming Events

 

🔹 Honoring the Legacy of Black Muslims – Virtual Town Hall
Join us for our 5th annual virtual town hall celebrating the remarkable contributions of Black Muslims in shaping our shared history and culture.
🗓 Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
⏰ Time: 6 PM EST

📍 Location: Virtual 

RSVP Here 

🔹 Black History Month Community Breakfast
Join us for an in-person gathering, "Resistance and Resilience: Muslim and Marginalized New Yorkers with Allies on the Frontline," hosted by Emgage New York Metro and State Senator Robert Jackson at the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Latino Caucus Weekend.
🗓 Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025

⏰ Time: 9:30 AM – 11 AM 
📍 Location: Hilton Albany's Anteroom
RSVP Here


🔹 2025 Mayoral Candidate Forum
We are bringing together leaders, advocates, and community members for a powerful discussion on the most pressing issues facing New York City with mayoral candidates.
🗓 Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025
⏰ Time: 3 PM – 6 PM
📍 Location: Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center
RSVP Here

 

Statements

 

🔹 Rejecting Trump’s Gaza Proposal: We firmly reject the Trump administration's reported plan to forcibly relocate Gaza’s population to Egypt and Jordan, which violates the Fourth Geneva Convention. We stand against any efforts that threaten the self-determination and human rights of the Palestinian people. Read More.

 

🔹 Challenging Executive Orders and Urging Preservation of Democracy: Since taking office, President Trump has issued many executive orders that can significantly change our nation. We’ve summarized four of these orders that you should be aware of, as they could impact your rights and community. Read more. 


🔹 Contesting Government Overreach: We are deeply concerned about reports that the Trump administration has given Elon Musk’s deputies access to the federal payments system, potentially jeopardizing financial oversight and security. Read More.

 

🔹 Opposing the Dissolution of USAID: I spoke about the dangers of dissolving USAID. Check out the video statement here, and take action here. 

 

🔹Congratulating Our Texas Endorsees: Several of our Emgage Action Texas endorsees were named as committee chairs and vice-chairs this session. Read more. 

 

Media Highlights

  • Wa'el Alzayat on BBC: CEO Wa'el Alzayat critiqued the proposed plan to evict Palestinians from Gaza as a violation of international law. Watch here.
  • Iman Awad in The Hill: Our National Policy Director, Iman Awad, spoke about the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and the importance of global leadership in addressing these injustices. Read more.
 

Our mission to advocate for justice, equity, and inclusive policies is made possible by supporters like you. As we continue to fight for Muslim American communities and beyond, we need your help to sustain our efforts.


Make a contribution today to help us drive meaningful change.

Donate

Thank you for being part of our movement. Together, we can build a more just and equitable society for all.

Sincerely,

 

Wa'el Alzayat

CEO, Emgage Action

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