AMP sessions focus on challenges and strategies facing the ongoing genocide Dear Email, At a time when Palestinians in Gaza are enduring unimaginable violence and loss, the responsibility to bear witness, speak truth, and act with purpose has never been more urgent. At the 2025 MAS Convention, American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) convened a full day of sessions rooted in testimony, faith, strategy, and international law, reminding us that our voices, our organizing, and our principles matter. Stories of Survival in the Face of Genocide Palestinian voices took center stage as William Asfour, Fidaa Elayadi, Alaa Abusamaan, and Deanna Othman shared personal narratives connected to Gaza. Through lived experience, the speakers highlighted loss, resilience, and the power of storytelling as a means of preserving humanity, culture, and hope—and as a foundation for healing and liberation.  Palestine Advocacy in the Trump Era: Challenges and Strategies Dr. Osama Abu Irshaid, Taher Herzallah, and Mohamad Habehh examined how Trump-era policies reshaped U.S. policy and advocacy terrain, from the Jerusalem embassy move and UNRWA defunding to anti-BDS legislation and lawfare. The session emphasized understanding this hostile political landscape while advancing proactive strategies, coalition-building, and effective grassroots campaigns that continue to deliver real wins.  Survive and Thrive: Your Responsibility as a Muslim During This Genocide In a spiritually grounded discussion moderated by Noor Ali, Dr. Hatem Bazian and Shaykh Mohammad Elshinawy framed advocacy for Palestine as a sacred obligation. Drawing on Islamic tradition, Qur’an, and Sunnah, the speakers reflected on transforming grief into steadfastness, pairing prayer with action, and understanding patience as active, sustained commitment to justice. As Shaykh Elshinawy said, “The one who stands in prayer stands in protest.” Dr. Bazian reminded us that our institutions lose their value if they do not call us to act when it comes to the current genocide, and we must hold them to account.  International Accountability: Removing Israel’s Cloak of Immunity Moderated by Mallak Ahmad, Tarek Khalil and Alicia Koutsoulieris unpacked the historic legal developments confronting Israeli impunity. The session explored the ICJ case brought by South Africa, findings of genocide and apartheid by major human rights organizations, and the significance of ICC arrest warrants, outlining pathways to advance accountability despite Western political resistance.  AMP is deeply grateful to our community members who made this programming possible. The conversations at MAS Convention reaffirmed that education, faith, and organized action remain essential tools in the struggle for Palestinian freedom. We look forward to continuing this work together. In solidarity, American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) |
