07/04/2016 AIFD Wishes you a Happy Fourth of July

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Dear Friends of AIFD,

We at the American Islamic Forum for Democracy write to wish you a happy, blessed and safe Fourth of July holiday. Every year, as we watch the world continue to be plagued by the deathly evil of radical Islamism, the fundamental liberties formalized on that day on 1776 are ever more essential to protect. This country’s founding example and spirit is something that infuses all of our work at AIFD.
We also wish to take a moment to remember the life and legacy of Elie Wiesel, whose example of moral courage inspired and continues to inspire many who seek to work against oppression and hate. Dr. Jasser had the opportunity to meet Mr. Wiesel on several occasions during his time they shared on the board of advisors of the Gatestone Institute. We will continue to be grateful for his example, and to work to speak out against oppression whenever and wherever it occurs.
At AIFD, we have been blessed to see morally courageous youth take a stance against Islamism and for human rights through our Muslim Liberty Project (MLP). This year, we are very proud to celebrate the accomplishments of three of the MLP’s founding leaders, who have achieved success as students and community organizers. Stay tuned as we share with you their stories and contributions to AIFD and MLP in the coming weeks.
Yours in Liberty, AIFD

07/05/2016 A solemn Eid Mubarak from AIFD

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Dear Friends of AIFD,
We at AIFD wish Muslims around the world “Eid Mubarak!” as this week, we celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the celebration at the close of Ramadan.
While we will enjoy celebrating Eid with our friends, families, chosen families and loved ones, we must acknowledge that this Eid is marred with the solemn recognition that this Ramadan has been one of the most violent in recent history; with scores of innocents murdered by those who also claim our faith.
Ramadan is a month of fasting, reflection, and atonement – a month meant to raise our consciousness about the plight of the oppressed, the suffering of the disenfranchised, the poor and the lonely. If anything should be a wake-up call to so called “moderates” the world over, it should be the blood shed in Orlando, the blood shed in Baghdad, Istanbul, Dhaka, and even in the city of Medina – within the very cradle of Islam; as well as elsewhere. Our community has a cancer – a rapidly spreading, murderous cancer – and that cancer is called Islamism. We Muslims are often its victims, yes; but we are also the very people who can do the most to fight it, alongside our non-Muslim allies.
So as we gather this week, in fellowship and in celebration of the Eid holiday, may we re-commit ourselves to fighting Islamism, and to challenging oppression and hate wherever they are found. The lives of innocent people the world over depend on our commitment to this fight.
Eid Mubarak.
In liberty,
Team AIFD