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Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council Newsletter - Ramadan 2024

Ramadan Greetings and update on CMPAC’s work and how you can get involved.

Ramadan Mubarak from CMPAC Board

With the blessed month of Ramadan upon us, CMPAC would like to extend its warmest greetings to all of our subscribers. Ramadan is a time of reflection, spiritual rejuvenation, and community solidarity. It is also a period where our hearts are especially attuned to the struggles of our brothers and sisters around the world. In this spirit of compassion and unity, let us remember the people of Palestine in our prayers. May the blessings of this month bring hope and justice to those who endure hardship and adversity. Together, let us raise our hands in dua:

Oh Allah, grant strength and resilience to the people of Palestine. Shower them with Your mercy and protection. Grant them steadfastness in their struggle for freedom and justice. May their voices be heard, their rights restored, and their land reclaimed. Ameen.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our subscribers for their unwavering support and dedication to the Palestinian cause and to the Canadian Muslim community. Your commitment to justice and solidarity strengthens our resolve and inspires us to continue our advocacy efforts. Remember, your involvement, whether through volunteering, activism, or donations, plays a vital role in advancing our mission. Let's stand together, united in purpose, as we strive for a future where the voices of Canadian Muslims stand strong for justice. 

Dr. Yaser Haddara

Board Chairman

Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council (CMPAC)

Palestine Advocacy

Our heartfelt prayers for Palestine resonate with a profound yearning for peace and justice in the region. CMPAC stands firmly in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters who confront injustice and oppression. We are eager to highlight the concrete measures we have undertaken in our advocacy endeavors thus far. Here is an overview of CMPAC’s recent statements and initiatives in support of Palestine.

CMPAC Statement Condemning Israel Real Estate Seminars Selling Illegal Settlements in the West Bank

CMPAC condemned Israel Real Estate Seminars marketing the sale of illegal West Bank settlements, violating international and Canadian law and exploiting religious institutions for commercial gain. These events, including seminars in Montreal and Toronto synagogues, promoted settlements acknowledged as human rights violations against Palestinians. CMPAC demanded 1) immediate cessation of these events, 2) government intervention, and 3) the non-participation of religious institutions.

CMPAC Endorses Joint Open Letter "Stop Genocide or Resign"

CMPAC endorsed the joint open letter "Stop Genocide or Resign”, initiated by Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJMPE), addressing the urgent need for action from the Canadian government regarding the escalating crisis in Gaza. This initiative, supported by numerous Canadian civil society groups, highlighted the alarming risk of genocide in Gaza and called for the resignation of key government officials unless immediate steps were taken to address the Palestinian crisis.

CMPAC Demands a Unified Statement from the Muslim Liberal Parliamentary Caucus Condemning Israel's Invasion of Rafah

CMPAC demanded a unified statement from the Muslim Liberal Parliamentary Caucus ("Muslim Caucus") condemning Israel's invasion of Rafah, highlighting the urgent need to address the ongoing aggression threatening innocent lives. We urged the Caucus to issue a resolute public statement denouncing the military operation in Gaza and the West Bank.

CMPAC Demands Concordia University to Uphold Freedom of Expression and End Intimidation of Students Following Palestine Advocacy Event Cancellation

CMPAC organized a series of Palestine advocacy solidarity events featuring Sami Hamdi from February 8th to 11th, aiming to foster informed discussions and educational opportunities for students and the broader community. Unfortunately, Concordia University abruptly cancelled a previously approved event on their campus due to pressure from anti-Palestinian groups, stifling freedom of speech. This decision, along with alleged acts of intimidation and harassment directed at students organizing pro-Palestine activities, undermined the principles of free speech and academic freedom. CMPAC stands with the Muslim community and all impacted by Concordia University's decisions, calling for an apology and a comprehensive evaluation of its policies to create an inclusive environment where diverse voices are acknowledged and valued.

CMPAC Joins Coalition Urging Canada to Halt Arms Transfers to Israel

CMPAC has joined a coalition of civil society organizations in signing an open letter urging Canada to halt arms transfers to Israel. The letter cited profound concerns about the legal and humanitarian implications, particularly in light of the recent provisional ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on January 26th. It emphasized the devastating impact of Israel's military operations in Gaza, calling on Canada to fulfill its domestic and international obligations by ceasing the supply of weapon systems to Israel to prevent complicity in serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law.

CMPAC's Statement on ICJ’s Order for Provisional Measures by Israel & Demand for the Canadian Government to Act Immediately

CMPAC acknowledges the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) acceptance of South Africa’s request for provisional measures regarding the prevention of genocide in the Gaza strip by the state of Israel. We demand the Canadian government to act immediately upon these measures, condemning Minister Ahmed Hussen's decision to halt funding to UNRWA. Canada, as a signatory to the Genocide convention, has obligations to enforce its provisions. CMPAC urges Canadians to contact their elected officials to express disapproval of Canada's response and urge swift action according to international commitments.

Joint Letter to Prime Minister Not to be Complicit in Israeli War Crimes in Gaza

CMPAC, alongside other concerned organizations, issued a joint letter to the Prime Minister, urging against complicity in Israeli war crimes in Gaza. This letter underscores the imperative for Canada to uphold its moral and legal obligations by taking a firm stance against human rights violations in the region. We called upon the Prime Minister to prioritize justice, accountability, and the protection of innocent lives in Gaza, and to ensure that Canada does not inadvertently support or enable actions that contravene international law.

Joint Letter to PM to Call for a Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

CMPAC, along with 45 organizations, issued a joint letter to the Prime Minister of Canada, urging for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and reaffirming support for Palestinian rights. The letter expressed concern over Canada's evolving stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and highlighted the need for the government to reverse narratives that suppress expressions of support for Palestinian rights.The letter called on Canada to uphold its values of justice and fairness, urging for a realignment of foreign policy to promote peace and human rights.

Joint Statement Against the Attack on Free Speech and the Labelling of Pro-Palestinian Rallies as ‘Hate Rallies’

CMPAC endorsed a joint statement denouncing the labeling of pro-Palestinian rallies as 'hate rallies', signed by a coalition of diverse community and human rights organizations. The statement expressed concern over such rhetoric, emphasizing that condemning Israeli atrocities against civilians is a stance against human rights abuses, not anti-Semitism.

PALESTINE ADVOCACY TOOL KITS

CMPAC released comprehensive guides on Palestinian advocacy tailored for parents, employees, students, and student organizations. These toolkits provide valuable tips and strategies for effective advocacy within diverse contexts. We encourage everyone to utilize these resources as powerful tools for promoting justice and human rights for Palestine.

CAMPAIGNS

CMPAC’s commitment to Palestinian advocacy is firm and we invite you to actively engage with our campaigns. These campaigns serve as avenues for individuals to meaningfully contribute to the cause and amplify their voices for change. Join us in shaping the future by signing up to volunteer for CMPAC’s Palestine Political Advocacy Local Committees, where your efforts can make a tangible impact. Additionally, students are encouraged to join CMPAC's Student Movement, providing a platform to express their solidarity and advocate for justice. For those looking to support our advocacy financially, consider contributing $1 per day towards our efforts. Together, let's work towards a better tomorrow for Palestine.

Sign up to volunteer for CMPAC’s Palestine Political Advocacy Local Committees. Join the movement for change!

Join CMPAC's Student Movement and make your voice heard! 

Support our Work

Our advocacy works best when we can rely on the widest networks to push the issues that impact our community. With more resources, we can do more comprehensive research, build deeper alliances, and spread our educational content. Help us build an institution and fuel the work of CMPAC with a contribution of any amount.

Stay connected with CMPAC for updates, events, and opportunities to make a difference. Follow us on Twitter @CMPAC_Official and Instagram @CMPAC_Official for the latest news and insights. Visit our website www.cmpac.ca for additional resources and information.