The recent convention hosted by the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) proved to be a resounding success, attracting over 30,000 attendees from diverse backgrounds. The event, held with the aim of fostering unity and community building, featured a rich program encompassing a wide array of speakers, workshops, and activities. Event Highlights: The convention covered a broad spectrum of topics, including Islamic principles, family dynamics, youth development, social justice, and interfaith relations. Attendees had the unique opportunity to engage with scholars, activists, and leaders who are experts in these areas, facilitating meaningful discussions and fostering mutual understanding. Economic Impact: Beyond its intellectual and communal significance, the convention also made a tangible impact on the local economy of Baltimore. The influx of visitors led to increased hotel bookings, restaurant patronage, and overall spending in the city. This surge in tourism benefited local businesses, with higher occupancy rates in hotels and increased revenue for restaurants, cafes, and eateries. Theme and Solidarity: The convention’s theme of unshakable faith and trusting the will of Allah resonated deeply with attendees, particularly in light of global events such as the ongoing tragedy in Gaza. ICNA stands in solidarity with those advocating for justice, including students protesting for a ceasefire in Gaza, reflecting our organization’s commitment to social justice and humanitarian causes. Media Engagement: A highlight of the convention was the Media Panel organized by our media team, featuring esteemed Muslim reporters from CBS, NBC, and HuffPost. The panel, which attracted over 100 attendees, delved into the crucial topic of Muslims and the media, fostering dialogue on collaboration and media representation. Additionally, the launch of the Media Scholarship initiative, valued at $1,000 per student, underscores our commitment to nurturing future talent in the media industry. Matrimonial Event and Quran Competition: In addition to the enriching program, ICNA hosted a Matrimonial Event aimed at facilitating connections within the community, providing a platform for individuals to meet and network in a halal and supportive environment. Furthermore, a Quran Competition was held, showcasing the talents and dedication of participants in memorizing and reciting the Quran, fostering a love for the Holy Book and Islamic learning. Young Muslims (YM) Conference: In conjunction with the convention, ICNA also hosted the Young Muslims (YM) Conference, an annual gathering dedicated to the youth. This conference, organized for the youth by the youth, brought young Muslims together under one roof to enlighten their minds with knowledge regarding their faith while fostering an environment of brotherhood and sisterhood. Press Release and Coverage: The press release published on the wire, reached an estimated 41 million people, highlighting the significance of our presence at the convention. Furthermore, we secured media coverage in outlets such as ABC, CBS, and multiple Pakistani media outlets.  In conclusion, our participation in the convention proved to be both enriching and impactful, reaffirming our dedication to fostering collaboration, nurturing talent, and amplifying important conversations within the media industry. As we reflect on our experiences and achievements, let us continue to leverage these insights and opportunities to propel our organization forward. Press Conference https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTA60Zonq5Ahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtZSbMMGbqU Media Channels coverage on ICNA Convention Photo Gallery

Dear Brothers and Sisters, On behalf of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), we wish to extend our Eid greetings to you all. May this blessed day find you in good health and high spirits, and may Allah (SWT) accept all our prayers and acts of worship. This year, we are celebrating Eid in difficult times, as our hearts and prayers are with the resilient people of Gaza. Their strength and unwavering faith in these challenging times have been a beacon of light, guiding many towards the path of Islam. https://youtu.be/PzvnIQ_7Yqg ICNA remains committed to standing with those who face oppression and adversity. We pledge to continue our efforts in supporting the oppressed across the globe and to uphold our promise of nurturing the moral and spiritual well-being of our community here at home. Together, we will strive to embody the values of Islam in every action and to extend our support to those in need. Eid Mubarak to you and your families. With warmest regards, The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)

How to Help Palestine as a US Resident www.icnacsj.org For many, witnessing the destruction of Gaza and the horrific crimes of Israel has led to a state of hopelessness and helplessness. Many are unsure of how to help Palestinians, and specifically Gaza, as the flow of donations and aid is difficult. However, as US residents, there are many actions you can take to help Palestinians. Below is a guide on some actions you can take. 1. Support Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) on Israel BDS is a movement to boycott against Israel until it complies with international law and Universal Principles of Human Rights. BDS is a movement aimed to curb international support for Israel because all forms of international intervention and peace-making have failed in making Israel comply with humanitarian law. Palestinians explicitly call for BDS, so BDS should be the first thing on anyone’s list when thinking about how to support Palestinians.  On the BDS list, here are companies you should avoid: HP, Siemens, Puma, Sodastream, Sabra, Ahava Cosmetics. You can find the full list on BDS’ website here. BDS support has worked in the past, and can continue to work in the future! Chile suspended a free trade agreement over the Gaza massacre, the Kuwait government has boycotted 50 companies that are linked to occupation, and Israel’s state water has lost contracts due to BDS. This sort of pressure by average people on Israel is a great way to support Palestinians.  2. Attend protests Attending protests is very important – protests show visible support of a cause. The National March for Palestine on November 4 was estimated to have been attended by over 400,000 people. This visible support shows the world, Palestinians, and government leaders that people care about Palestine. Participate in shutdown days, where organizations call for people to walk out of school/work, attend a protest, and cease from buying anything.  3. Put pressure on politicians Tell elected officials to end the siege of Gaza, and to stop US support to Israel. There has been a blockade on Gaza for over 16 years, which has caused generational impact on the lives of Palestinians. Every year, the US gives Israel $3.8 billion in military funding. The US provides Israel money even though Israel does not stick to the US positions on peace in Palestine. The US is complicit in apartheid, it is funding the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people. Urge your representatives to end US aid to Israel. 4. Write to companies In addition to supporting BDS, put pressure on companies and corporations to hold them accountable for their role in violating the rights of Palestinians. There are companies in the BDS list who explicitly profit from occupation and apartheid of Israel. Make sure that the money you are earning and spending is not contributing to the occupation of another.  5. Listen and learn from Palestinians With a violent settler-colonial state like Israel, it is a given that the media will uplift Israeli narratives whilst silencing Palestinians. To support Palestinians, you must stand up, speak out, and listen to Palestinian voices.  The American Friends Service Committee says, “It is likely that addressing this topic will raise political sensitivities and political concerns among members of your faith community. The best way to address these concerns while promoting learning and action is to take time to listen to Palestinians and Israelis and to learn about the ways in which Israelis and Palestinians are impacted by violence and human rights violations today.” Here is a list of recommended readings and media on Gaza and Palestine, compiled by Decolonize Palestine. Take some time to read the books on this list, and to understand the occupation. Follow Palestinians on social media, especially journalists from Gaza, listen to what they have to say, and be an advocate for them when necessary.  We cannot tolerate the Israel genocide of Gaza any longer. We must take actions as those living in the West. We, as average people, can make a change in the way our countries, communities, friends, and family view Palestine. 

Every act of generosity is an act of worship. ICNA, a national organization dedicated to supporting the Muslim American community, is leaving a lasting impact through diverse development projects, community services, and long-term relief programs. At ICNA, we believe in the strength of collective goodness. This Giving Tuesday, we extend a heartfelt invitation to join something greater, contributing to our mission of providing humanitarian relief and making a meaningful impact on those in need. Guided by the principle that service to humanity is service to Allah, ICNA calls upon you to make this Giving Tuesday a day of unity and compassion through your generous donations. Together, let’s create a lasting difference that echoes a lifetime of positive change. May your generosity become a source of blessings, not just for you but for the lives you touch. Join us in this noble endeavor to make Giving Tuesday a day that resonates with unity, compassion, and everlasting impact. Donate Now

PALESTINE CRISIS www.icnacsj.org Brief History Palestine is the Holy Land, significant in all three major religions – Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The people of Palestine, be they Muslim, Christian, or Jewish, lived in a peaceful and prospering society, engaging in trades such as fishing and farming, and contributing to a shared and rich culture. Palestine was ruled by the Ottoman Empire until it was captured by the British. In 1917, the British Government promised the land of Palestine to the Zionist Jews as a homeland for the Jewish people. Jews began to migrate to Palestine with the help of the Zionist movement at the start of the 19th century. After WWII, Jewish migration to Palestine especially intensified. The Ally Powers recognized and supported the new state of Israel on this colonized Palestinian land. This resulted in the Nakba, a catastrophe that ethnically cleansed over 800,000 Palestinians, including Muslims, Jews, and Christians, from their land through evacuation, displacement, and genocide. Since then, Global powers have legitimized the occupation of Palestine by the Israeli state. Israel has continued to confiscate more and more land from the indigenous Palestinian people, forcing them into smaller areas of land and controlling every aspect of Palestinian life to maintain control over the region through a cruel system of apartheid. Since October 7, 2023 Israel has implemented a campaign of indiscriminate attacks on Palestinians in Gaza that has resulted in the murder of more than 10,000 Palestinians (so far), the majority of whom are innocent civilian women and children. Israel has tightened its already existing siege on Gaza, blocking access to water, fuel, cellular service, electricity, and humanitarian aid. The attacks on Gaza have left over 1,000,000 people displaced, and destroyed hundreds of apartment buildings, schools, mosques, churches, and multiple hospitals. Israel’s war crimes include using illegal tactics such as white phosphorus and chemical weapons to maximize the damage and indiscriminately attack Gazans. Israel has also bombed neighboring countries, detained and killed Palestinians in the West Bank, and expanded into a ground invasion of Gaza. We are witnessing a genocide and humanitarian catastrophe unfold in real time. Talking Points 1 – Demand a Ceasefire: We are witnessing crimes against humanity with the current genocide of innocent Palestinians in Gaza. A path to peace in the region requires an immediate ceasefire that ensures that no more civilians will be harmed or killed. 2 – Equal Citizenship Rights: Currently, Palestinians holding residency in the Occupied Palestinian regions are not considered citizens of Palestine, until such a time as Palestine is declared an independent state. However, the occupying power of Israel also does not consider Palestinians to be citizens, leaving them without a passport or ID card that is recognized in much of the world. This is a violation of international law, and a glaringly obvious sign of an apartheid state. We must hold Israel accountable for the quality of life of the Palestinian people. 3 – Acknowledge the Right of Return: WhenPalestinian families were forcibly removed from the Currently, Israel operates a siege over Gaza, a portion of land bordering the Mediterranean Sea currently under Israeli occupation. Gaza is described as the largest open-air prison in the world. The West Bank is another region that is under Palestinian authority by legality but controlled heavily by the Israeli state. The over-militarized power has used undue force to intimidate and dehumanize Palestinian citizens, surveil and control movements, and even unlawfully arrest, detain, and kill them. Palestinians have struggled to break free of the apartheid state that has been implemented by the Israeli Government, as recognized by Amnesty International as well as renowned human rights organizations across the world. Israel’s abuse of human rights and consistent violation of international law are also well-documented and have been recognized by the United Nations. Still, the Israeli Government continues to abuse the indigenous Palestinian people and has rendered them stateless to prevent them from returning to their land. Palestinian people continue to resist, whether in Gaza and the West Bank or across the world where they exist as refugees and immigrants remembering their homeland from afar. Current Situation homes and land they had held for centuries, they were prevented from returning, and those same homes were illegally given to settler families from across the world. It’s time to allow Palestinian people back into their own homes and into their lands. The ability to return home is a basic human right for all and a principle of international law. 4 – End the Illegal Occupation: The only way to bring true peace to Palestine and the Palestinian people is to end the illegal occupation of Palestine. Action Items Engage with Representatives: Contact your members of Congress ASAP and urge them to support an immediate ceasefire and a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Participate in Peaceful Protests: Join or organize peaceful protests advocating for justice, equality, and an end to the occupation. Raise Awareness on Social Media: Utilize social media platforms to share information, stories, and resources that shed light on the Palestinian struggle. Amplify Palestinian voices to raise awareness. Support Humanitarian Organizations: Contribute to organizations working to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, providing direct aid to those affected by the conflict. Visit www.hhrd.org as one example. Educate Others: Foster understanding by educating friends, family, and colleagues about the historical context and current realities of the Palestinian situation.

Tens of thousands of people from everywhere along the east coast marched through the streets of DC demanding an immediate ceasefire of the killing of innocent Palestinians. They called on our government to recognize the ongoing injustices and to do what is in their power to stop these attacks on innocent lives. We will keep making dua for our brothers and sisters, we will keep speaking out against injustice until this humanitarian crisis is brought to an end. Muslim American Leadership including Oussama Abuirshaid Executive Director of AMP, Nihad Awad of CAIR, Oussama Jamal USCMO, sister Asmahan ( MAS), Naqeeb Ur Rehman ( MUNA) Dr. Mohsin Ansari President of ICNA along with other civil liberties activists from different faiths addressed the crowd.

CAIR is receiving communication from authorities that not enough of our community is speaking up for Palestine CAIR has put up an action alert item PLEASE sign it!It contains a pre-written message. Just enter your requested information, and hit send.This message will go directly to your state representatives! PLEASE share this far and wide … the more signatures, the better!There’s power in numbers!!!!! It takes less than 50 seconds – just a few clicks – please do this ASAP. https://action.cair.com/a/gazaunderattack

Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), condemns in the strongest possible terms, the bombing of the al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza, today, killing almost 500 patients, doctors, healthcare workers, and hundreds of displaced children and families seeking shelter there, with nowhere else to go. ICNA calls on President Biden to play his role in establishing immediate ceasefire and reconsider his unconditional support to a government which bombed and killed hundreds of innocent patients, doctors and civilians. This practice of bombing hospitals and sanctuaries is not only tragic, but also a clear violation of international law including the Geneva Conventions and other international humanitarian agreements. The secretary general of UNO, Mr. António Guterres, World Health Organization (WHO) and several humanitarian agencies immediately condemned the deadly Israeli strike on a Gaza hospital, which it said was “operational with patients, health- and caregivers, and internally displaced people sheltering there.” ICNA, along with a rising tide of international and humanitarian organizations, calls upon the U.S. and global community of nations to intervene immediately to stop the ongoing violence, indiscriminate killings of the Palestinian civilians in Gaza in an effort of ethnic cleansing.