US Muslims Speak Out Against Oppression
“Intimidation and censorship have become our reality, but we can change that,” the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) posted on its Facebook page.
“Now is the time for humanity speak out against injustices that we are witnessing in Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Myanmar [Burma], Nigeria, China and around the world!
“We must overcome intimidation and speak truth to power. Use Twitter Facebook and Instagram to speak out for the truth!”
Launched by MPAC last week, the campaign aims to defy the sharp criticism faced by public figures and people who condemned the Israeli offensive in Gaza that has killed more than 1900 Palestinians so far.
“Now more than ever, we must raise our voices collectively to speak up for human rights and freedom for all people facing violence and extremism,” MPAC Hollywood Liaison Deana Nassar told The American Muslim (TAM).
“For decades, citizens of Middle Eastern countries have been silenced and threatened with persecution for speaking out against the dictators that ruled them.
“Today, those who speak out against violent extremism committed by nations or by extremist groups face backlash. It’s time to speak out with one voice.”
Israel has been launching relentless airstrikes against Gaza since July 8 where hundreds have been killed and thousands injured.
Israel has claimed that its new war on Gaza, under the title Operation Protect Edge, was a response to the rocket attacks being carried out by Hamas.
Israel occupation forces started a ground invasion of besieged Gaza, home to two millions civilian, on Thursday, July 17.
Health officials in Gaza said 1,915 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed and nearly 10,000 injured since Israel launched its war on the besieged strip.
'Speak out'
Slamming the self-censorship practiced by several people to avoid backlash, MPAC incited people to speak out about the several forms of oppression.
Though it has been launched a few days ago, the campaign was joined by hundreds who spoke about the aggression against Muslims and non-Muslims.
“#ISpeakOutBecause as a human being, I know that our humanity is bound up together. None of us can be truly free until all of us are free,” user omid safi tweeted.
“One day I will need somebody to speak out for me. #ISpeakOutBecause @mpac_national,” Shukri A. Harbi wrote at Twitter.
Moreover, Deana A. Nassar of MPAC wrote at Facebook: “speaks out because “silence sends the message that violence and intimidation are okay.”
MPAC was established in 1988 with the aims of which informing and shaping public opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in government, media and policy institutions.
Though there are no official estimates, the US is home to an estimated Muslim minority of six to eight million.
An earlier Gallup poll found that the majority of Americans Muslims are loyal to their country and optimistic about their future in the United States.
Source: OnIslam.net
