Public Engagement Project
MISSION
AIFD seeks to engage in the war of ideas against the ideology of political Islam or Islamism by bringing awareness and education to the general public through writings, media interviews, and public forums.
As the President of AIFD, Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser is a nationally recognized expert in the contest of ideas against political Islam and American Islamist organizations. He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, The Washington Times, The New York Post, The Dallas Morning News, CNN, CBS, Fox News Channel, MSNBC and BBC in addition to nationally syndicated radio programs. He has spoken at hundreds of national and international events including universities, places of worship, and government venues. In just the last year, Dr. Jasser has debated the head of the Islamic Society of Boston in the Ford Hall Forum; addressed the Oslo Freedom Forum on “How Islam Works with Democracy”; and discussed “What it means to be an American Muslim” with a panel at Drake University. In the past, Dr. Jasser has lectured on Islam to deploying officers at the Joint Forces Staff College at Fort Benning and was part of a select Muslim group that briefed Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on the “Contest of Ideas with the Muslim World.”
Dr. Jasser has been invited to speak at universities, public forums, civic organizations, places of worship, and other forums throughout the US and around the world.
It is estimated that AIFD has reached more than 400 million people worldwide.
ACTIVITIES
Dr. Jasser debated Robert Spencer of Jihad Watch at David Horowitz’s West Coast Retreat. Entitled “A conversation on Islam” the discussion highlights the significantly different approaches to winning the war of ideas against Islamists. Click here to see the debate
Dr. Jasser debated Imam Ahmad Shqeirat of the Islamic Community Center of Tempe on “Does Islam Need Reform, and If So, How?” at a Scottsdale Community College Perspectives Forum. The forum brought in over 200 people and presented two very different views of Islam in America. Click here to see the debate.
Dr. Jasser was invited to speak at the March 10, 2011 Congressional hearing on “The Extent of Radicalization in the American Muslim Community and that Community’s Response.”
Click here to see Dr. Jasser’s testimony:
Dr. Jasser was honored to be invited to speak at The Oslo Freedom Forum in 2010. The conference brings together the world’s most effective human rights defenders to share their experiences and expertise with an audience of global leaders. Dr. Jasser spoke to the assembly on “How Islam Works with Democracy.” In this landmark speech laying out AIFD’s mission– Dr. Jasser joins leading freedom activists from across the world.
Click here to See Dr. Jasser’s presentation.
Dr. Jasser participated in the “What it means to be an American Muslim” panel at Drake University on October 7, 2010.
Contact us to join AIFD’s efforts to share its position on Islamic issues.