Over 1,000 Advocates Rally at USCMO’s 11th National Muslim Advocacy Day

American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) joined the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) and over 70 other organizations to close out the 11th National Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. Together, we brought more than 1,000 Muslim community leaders, students, and interfaith allies to the Hill from across the country over the last two days. The landmark gathering marked the largest such mobilization in the event’s history.

Delegates participated in well over 260 legislative meetings where they advocated for:

1. Opposition to the Anti-Muslim Caucus and Discriminatory Legislation
2. An End to Endless Wars and the ‘Israel First’ Agenda
3. Defending Free Speech and Immigrant Rights

“Today, over 1,000 American Muslims made our voice clear: We will not be silent while our community is demonized, while our tax dollars fuel endless wars, and while advocates like Salah Sarsour are imprisoned for their beliefs,” said Dr. Osama Abu Irshaid, the Executive Director of AMP. “We demand equal justice under the law for all, including Palestinians and Muslims.”

Additionally, we held a press conference in front of the Supreme Court on Monday, April 20, where we reiterated the following core demands:

• That the Department of Homeland Security and ICE immediately release Salah Sarsour from detention and allow him to return to his family and community in Milwaukee.
• That all charges and allegations against Salah Sarsour be dropped, particularly those based on unreliable Israeli military court convictions that lack due process.
• That the U.S. government cease the weaponization of immigration laws to target and silence Palestinian, Muslim, and pro-Palestine advocates exercising their First Amendment rights.
• That Congress launch an immediate investigation into the targeting of lawful permanent residents and visa holders for their protected political speech regarding Palestine.

This advocacy day was historic, but it’s only one step on a long road. We call on every person who joined us and every person who stands with us in principle to continue taking action. We will continue organizing, marching, and applying pressure until the DHS drops its political persecution of Salah Sarsour and until the 'Israel First' agenda is replaced with a foreign policy rooted in human rights. Join us by taking action to Free Salah here.