MSA National News Releases
01/09/09 - MSA National "CALL TO ACTION" Over Recent Attacks on Gaza
MSA National "CALL TO ACTION" Over Recent Attacks on Gaza
The Muslim Students Association of the United States and Canada (MSA National) is calling on its members and chapters to join us in a CALL TO ACTION over recent attacks on Gaza.
CALL TO ACTION REQUESTED:
1. Take Part in the Upcoming 'Let Gaza Live' National March
MSA National will be co-sponsoring the upcoming 'Let Gaza Live' National March in Washington, beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, in Lafayette Park outside the White House. We call on all Muslim students to participate in this protest to stop the war against the Palestinian people. We will be gathering as a group at Lafayette Park outside the White House - please look for the large MSA National banners with slogans such as "Fund Education, Not Occupation" and "Books Not Bombs". Join us to show a large, united presence of American Muslims students. In America's history, peace comes when students act as the catalyst for change. It is time for peace to come. For more information visit http://answer.pephost.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ANS_homepage
2. A National Day of Fast in Solidarity with the People of Gaza
We are requesting MSAs to call on their respective campus and local community to encourage everyone to participate in MSA National's National Day of Fast on Thursday, January 15th, 2009. As well, we are requesting that all MSA's encourage those that are participating in the fast to donate the money they would use on their lunch to a relief organization of their choice that is providing aid to the victims of Gaza. By participating in the fast, you are standing with the victims of Gaza at a very crucial time. At the time of breaking fast, please make a special prayer for the safety and well being of the people of Gaza. As we all know, the prayer of the fasting person upon breaking of the fast is always answered.
In addition, we are requesting that MSAs organize a viewing of a video presentation or documentary in conjunction with the National Day of Fast. Educating our campus & local community is vital to understanding the context to the Arab-Israeli conflict. An example of such could be:
"The Daily Show" segment "Strip Maul"
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=213380&title=strip-maul
In the segment, host Jon Stewart brought awareness and another perspective to a two-sided issue regarding the violence in Gaza. The reporting presented was honest, and critical attention was brought to the to the extremely one-sided news reports of the happenings in Gaza. Please also take the time to thank Jon Stewart and his writing team for the segment.
For additional resources please e-mail patfchair@msanational.org
3. Mass Writing & Calling Campaign
MSA National calls on all Muslims to contact your elected officials and ask them to adopt an even-handed Middle East policy that is in our nation's - not just Israel's - interest. Talking points: Israeli attacks block efforts to bring peace with justice to the Middle East, harm our nation's image and interests worldwide and strengthen voices of extremism in the region.The Palestinian people must be given some hope of freedom from Israeli occupation and domination. America must support a just and comprehensive resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that takes into account the rights and responsibilities of all parties.American taxpayer dollars should not be used to for weapons that kill any civilians.
Contact President George W. Bush:
White House Comment Line: 202-456-1111, Fax: 202-456-2461, E-Mail: comments@whitehouse.gov, vice_president@whitehouse.gov
Contact President-Elect Obama:
Ask that he speak out now in favor of a more balanced and pro-American policy in the Middle East that takes the rights of all parties to the conflict into consideration. http://change.gov/page/content/contact/
Contact Your Congressional Representatives:
U.S. Senators: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
House of Representatives: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
-END-CONTACT: Ms. Asma Rehman, MSA National Political Action task Force Chair, 703-820-7900 Email: patfchair@msanational.org
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The Muslims Students Association (MSA) National is the largest Muslim Students group in the United States and Canada. Its mission is to serve the individual Muslim student as well as the chapter through sponsorship of educational programs, through offering students chances to learn, network and grow at zonal and annual conferences, as well as through management training programs. As a broad platform for students from all backgrounds, MSA National works with all organizations whose agenda includes a special focus on students and issues of concern to them during their college career.
