Newsletter (September 2024): Standing Strong – Protest in New York, Major Report Release, and Advocacy
Assalamu alaykum!
IAMC carried forward our August streak by going full throttle in September. We’re talking about a major protest against Modi in New York, the release of a first-of-its-kind report on the impact of Hindu nationalism on Indian-American Muslims, another op-ed in TIME and Jacobin Magazine, a Youth Summit, interviews in the media, and much more!
Keep scrolling for this month’s bullet point summary.
SUMMARY:
- IAMC staged a protest outside of Modi’s speaking venue during his New York visit
- Released the first-ever report on Hindu nationalism’s impact on the well-being of Indian American Muslims across the country
- Got a special mention in California Representative Adam Schiff’s announcement of an important new bill on documenting transnational repression
- Hosted a Youth Summit attended by 60+ high school students in Boston
- Published another op-ed in Time Magazine
- And more!
Keep scrolling to learn more about this month’s achievements in detail.
IAMC PROTESTS MODI’S ADDRESS TO THE DIASPORA
Modi visited Long Island last month, and of course, we were ready to greet him in our signature way: with a protest attended by our grassroots from not just New York, but New Jersey, Delaware, and Massachusetts.
Outside the venue where Modi addressed his supporters in the American diaspora, IAMC members stood strong with placards denouncing Hindu supremacy, exposing Modi’s anti-minority agenda, and reminding the world of his notorious title, the Butcher of Gujarat. Nearby, digital trucks displayed these same powerful messages for all to see.
We couldn’t have done it without the incredible round-the-clock dedication from our grassroots in New York and New Jersey, who were at the forefront of the planning and execution!
Check out the media coverage relating to the protest here.
NEW REPORT: HOW HINDUTVA IMPACTS INDIAN AMERICAN MUSLIMS
In tandem with our protest against Modi, IAMC and ReThink Media released a first-of-its-kind new report titled Detrimental Effects of Hindu Nationalism on Indian American Muslims, based on data we collected through a community survey we conducted in the spring.
This is the first-ever report that examines the impact of Hindutva on our communities, and we are excited to open up a broader conversation about the thread of Hindu supremacy to Muslims and minorities throughout the United States.
Key findings of the report include:
- A significant majority of respondents reported experiencing harassment, discrimination, or prejudice from Hindu friends or social contacts over the past decade.
- 80% of respondents stated they feel less comfortable in Indian American spaces since the rise of India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- 48% of respondents reported harassment on social media, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn.
- 94% of respondents strongly agreed that Hindu nationalism poses a threat to religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, in both India and the U.S.
Read the full report here, and have a look at our related social media graphics here.
IAMC’S SHOUTOUT IN A BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL BILL ANNOUNCEMENT
We’re excited to share that IAMC got a special mention in California Representative Adam Schiff’s announcement of the bipartisan Transnational Repression Reporting Act of 2024, aimed at better documenting the rising issue of transnational repression (TNR) by foreign governments against individuals in the U.S. Notably, the bill calls out India as one of the countries involved in TNR.
We are greatly appreciative of Rep. Schiff’s acknowledgement of our support for the bill, which we’ve shown over the past several months through education and awareness along with our partners, including Sikh Coalition and Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF).
Read the full statement from Rep. Schiff’s office here.
USCIRF’S LATEST UPDATE ON INDIA
We applaud the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent US federal commission, for raising concern this week at the Indian government’s anti-Muslim legislative bill that seeks to destroy Muslim control over the community’s religious institutions and properties.
In its midyear report released this week, USIRF has cited legal experts as saying that India’s proposed 2024 Waqf Amendment Bill would “erode” Muslims’ autonomy over their religious institutions, and noted that this bill follows the “increased proliferation of disinformation regarding the distribution of wealth among India’s Muslim communities.”
For two decades, IAMC has advocated with USCIRF on a regular basis, through in-person meetings, report submissions and organizing interactions for USCIRF officials with victims, survivors, attorneys, activists, journalists, and experts from India. We’re glad to see that USCIRF continues to take the threat to Indian minorities seriously, and consistently raises awareness regarding the situation.
Read USCIRF’s full India update here.
IAMC IN THE MEDIA
From placing yet another op-ed in Time Magazine, to being interviewed for Al Jazeera, IAMC’s Media Team kept our presses running hot. With two interviews, two op-eds, two report releases, and a total of 11 mentions and quotes in national and international media, we’ve got plenty of reading for you this month.
Be sure to read and share both of our brand new reports:
- Detrimental Effects of Hindu Nationalism on Indian American Muslims, assessing the impact of Hindutva on Indian American Muslims
- Persecution of Religious Minorities in India (May-August 2024), documenting violence and hate against Muslims and other minorities as Modi’s third term begins
Check out IAMC Associate Media Director Safa Ahmed’s interview on the survey report, as well as her quotes on the transnational repression faced by IAMC:
- The Good Men Project: Safa Ahmed on Discrimination Against Indian-American Muslims
- Al Jazeera: India’s Social Media Crackdown; Broader Implications for Journalism
And don’t miss our op-eds from this month:
- Time: How Indian Americans Should Treat Modi’s Upcoming New York Rally, by IAMC Executive Director Rasheed Ahmed
- Jacobin: India’s Largest Paramilitary Force Got Away With Terror, by Safa Ahmed
BOSTON YOUTH SUMMIT
On Saturday, September 28, the IAMC Boston Chapter hosted its first-ever youth summit for students aged 13 and up, bringing together 50 students from across Massachusetts and creating a space for learning, growth, and connection. Preceding the summit, lead instructor Syed Faizan delivered the Jumuah Khutbah on Friday, September 27, at the Islamic Center of Malden, MA., and with Br. Amin Zama presented Friday evening Halaqa at the Burroughs Islamic Center in Westboro, MA.
Through interactive sessions, participants developed valuable interpersonal skills and engaged in discussions on issues that affect both everyday Americans and the Muslim ummah as a whole, including:
- The current situation in Gaza and its political impact
- Abortion and reproductive rights
- Gun violence and public safety
- Immigration and social justice
The highlight of the program was a speech competition, where students gave inspiring and passionate speeches on topics of their choice. Three winners were awarded cash prizes, and all participants received:
- IAMC T-shirts
- Certificates of participation
- Volunteer hours
Hosted at the historic Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center, the summit was a true reflection of the IAMC Boston Chapter’s commitment to empowering young people and encouraging community involvement.
If you’re interested in hosting a Youth Summit in your area, contact IAMC Associate Director Amin Zama at amin@iamc.com.
CHAPTER ACTIVITIES
In addition to the protest and Youth Summit, our chapters continued to push the Indian Muslim cause forward by hosting educational events, attending coalition meetings, and educating local elected officials on the dangers of Hindutva. Read more about their achievements for September below.
Atlanta
- Sponsored and attended ICNA Georgia Muslim Day on August 31, where the Atlanta chapter showcased IAMC by putting up a table booth
- Attended and hosted a table booth at the Atlanta India Festival, organized by the local Indian Christian community
- IAMC Action joined Georgia civil rights organizations to be part of a signature campaign to stop the Israeli genocide against Palestinians
Boston
- Hosted the Boston Youth Summit, which was received as a smashing success for both students and their families
- Attended a Coalition event with Alliance for a Secular and Democratic South Asia and Boston South Asian Coalition (BSAC): A Documentary screening of Anand Patwardhan’s ‘Reason’ and a Q&A followed by a dinner reception with Anand. We provided support and solidarity with the independent filmmaker and our coalition partners.
Dallas
- Participated in both the annual ISNA convention as well as in local Indian Independence Day celebrations
- Held a lunch meet and greet to welcome new members of the Dallas chapter, where volunteers were assigned to Advocacy, Coalition, and Masjid outreach teams
- Organized meetings with local interfaith activists and allies of the Muslim community to deepen relationships and foster stronger collaborations for the future
- Organized a Citizens Civil Academy with a local judge to educate community members and activists on the Texas judiciary
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