In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Stand in Solidarity with the Victims of Wisconsin Temple Shooting and Missouri Mosque Arson
In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
For Immediate Release
(08/10/12) Muslims Student Association West (MSA West) stands in solidarity with the victims of the shootings at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin and the victims of the fire at the Islamic Society of Joplin, Missouri.
On Aug. 5 at the Sikh Temple in Wisconsin, Army Veteran Wade Michael Page opened fire on Sikh worshippers and local police, who responded to the scene. Six people were killed and three were critically injured, including a police officer.
As an organization which strives to strengthen the bond between Muslims and with people of different communities, and resists the suppression of rights guaranteed by our constitution, MSA West stands strongly in support of the Sikh community.
MSA West also acknowledges the efforts of government officials in investigating the fire that destroyed a mosque in Joplin, Missouri. On Aug. 6, the mosque was burned to the ground early in the morning; the second fire to occur at the mosque within two months. The FBI is looking into the incident to determine if this fire was caused by arson, as was the case with the previous fire in July.
MSA West denounces all forms of violence including terrorism and the heinous killing of innocent civilians, and the organization condemns the actions of those who seek to disunite the Muslim community as well as the American community at large. MSA West urges conscientious Americans to come together and continue to uphold our American values of peace, freedom, and tolerance.
Sikh Gurdwaras around the country will be hosting open-houses this Sunday, Aug. 12. Donations to help the families of the victims of the Wisconsin shooting are being taken here. Joplin residents are planning a rally of support for members of the mosque which is planned for 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 25.Those interested in helping rebuild the mosque in Joplin, Missouri may donate here.
If you would like more information about these topics or want to schedule an interview with MSA West, please email MSA West at
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.
Sincerely,
Haidar Ali Anwar
President | Muslim Students Association West
www.msawest.unite
With Support,
Ali Fiaz
President | Muslim Students Association National
Hassan Mukhlis
Senator | University of California, Irvine (ASUCI)
Lana Habib El-Farra
People of Middle Eastern & South Asian Descent Caucus Chair | Unites States Student Association
External Vice President | University of California, Los Angeles (USAC)
Nadim Houssain
External Vice President, Statewide Affairs | University of California, Santa Barbara (ASUCSB)
Sadia Saifuddin
Senator | University of California, Berkeley (ASUC)
Shahryar Abbasi
External Affairs Vice President | University of California, Berkeley (ASUC)
MSA West denounces police violence at college campuses
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Davis, CA, 11/21/11) -- Muslim Student Association West (MSA West) stands in solidarity with the students of University of California, Davis and Berkeley in their struggle for peaceful protest.
See: Campus Police Chief Put on Leave in Pepper Spray Incident (The New York Times)
On Wednesday, November 11th, 2011, students involved with the “Occupy Berkeley” movement, at the University of California Berkeley, were met with batons of a violent police force.Approximately a week later, November 19th, 2011, the Davis police force used pepper spray, a chemical irritant, against students defending public education at the University of California Davis. Several students were hospitalized.
See: Occupy U.C. Berkeley Protestors Face Violent Confrontation With Campus Police (Huffington Post)
America was founded on the principle that people have the right to peacefully organize and assemble to demand their civil liberties.
See: Constitution of the United States; Declaration of Independence
The decision to use violence against peaceful college students is truly alarming. As positively-contributing Americans, MSA West encourages civil discourse, and denounces the use of oppressive force against this nation’s future leaders.
For further info, contact:
Layla Jalanbo
Email:
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MSA West denounces Irvine 11 verdict
(Santa Ana, CA, 9/23/11) -- Muslim Student Association West (MSA West) stands in solidarity
with the Irvine 11 in their struggle against the suppression of free speech by Orange County
District Attorney Tony Rackauckas.
See: Irvine 11: Sentenced to community service, no jail time; attorneys prepare to appeal
(Electronic Intifada)
At approximately 11:20 am Friday, a jury convicted the Irvine 11 of conspiracy and disruption of
a public meeting. Presiding Judge Peter Wilson sentenced the students to 56 hours of community
service, 3 years of probation, and a $270 fine for peacefully protesting Israeli Ambassador
Michael Oren on the University of California Irvine campus on February 8, 2010. He declined
the district attorney’s recommendation of jail time.
See: UN Resolution Targeting Israel and Palestinians (If Americans Knew)
The decision to criminalize free speech is especially alarming to all students. The conviction,
along with current lawsuits making false and dangerous accusations about the nature of the
Muslim Student Association and Students for Justice in Palestine at UC Berkeley, illustrates a
growing trend of criminalizing free speech and Muslim-American activism.
See: Same Hate, New Target (Council on American-Islamic Relations, UC Berkeley)
The actions of the OC DA in prosecuting students for following the time-honored tradition of
college protests are blatant violations of the United States Bill of Rights. Throughout history,
it has been seen that dissenting voices are essential to the viability of a pluralistic society. "The
blood that ran through the veins of Martin Luther King Jr., of Rosa Parks, of Che Guevara--
that is the same blood that runs through the veins of the Irvine 11,” defense attorney Jacqueline
Goodman proclaimed during closing arguments. The students echoed these esteemed figures
in speaking truth to power, an action that when criminalized, condemns the greatest peaceful
protesters of our world along with the UCI 11.
MSA West is a grassroots organization comprised of Muslim student organizations across the
West Coast. As a group that denounces violence and terrorism, MSA West stands behind the
nonviolent tactics of the UCI 11. Their actions shed light on the many human rights violations
committed daily by Israeli Defence Forces against the Palestinian people. As the Prophet
Muhammad said, “The greatest struggle is to speak a word of truth in the face of an oppressor.”
MSA West advocates that students and community members throughout the West Coast continue
to support the Irvine 11 through the appeals process. In addition, MSA West urges all activists to
continue peaceful protests to draw attention to injustices in Palestine and throughout the world.
As Salvador Allende declared, “To be a student and not a revolutionary is a contradiction.” MSA
West hopes that the actions of the Irvine 11 will encourage others to stand up for justice.
Suggested actions:
- -Visit the Facebook page “End Corruption at OC DA” to remove Tony Rackauckas from office
- during the next election.
- -Visit Irvine11.com to find more information on the lawyers’ next steps.
- -Commit to performing community service alongside the Irvine 11.
- -Donate to the Muslim Legal Fund of America to cover expenses for the Irvine 11 trial.
Contact Layla Jalanbo at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
MSA West Stands with the Irvine 11
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
FOR IMMDEIATE RELEASE
(Los Angeles, United States, 10/15/2009) – Muslim Students Association West (MSA West), a grassroots organization representing Muslim student groups from across the West coast, is deeply concerned regarding the recent harassment and false allegations against the Muslim Student Union (MSU) at the University of California-Irvine (UCI) regarding humanitarian and social justice efforts on Palestine. Efforts of external non-student organizations aim to impede students rights of speech, religion and association.
SEE: A Letter from the Muslim Student Union to the UCI Administration (Muslim Student Union of UCI)
External groups to UCI aim to deter social justice awareness of Palestinian issues with false allegations reported to law enforcement that student-raised funds support terrorist organizations. It is widely known that Muslim student efforts were for the Viva Palestina USA convoy, a humanitarian-relief group organized by UK Member of Parliament George Galloway. Recently, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights stated the priority of ending "impunity" in Occupied Palestinian Territory.
SEE: Viva Palestina Organization (Viva Palestina)
MSA West denounces terrorism and all forms of violence. Islamic tenets dictate that it is forbidden to kill in an unjust cause, "...if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind" (The Holy Quran 5:32). Muslim organizations, including MSA West have repeatedly condemned terrorism.
MSA West also expresses concern of the ongoing vigilante and smear tactics employed by non-student organizations against Muslim students at UCI. Muslim students at UCI have reported regular hate email and death threats. The UCI campus administration has neglected to protect students right of academic freedom. Such negligence perpetuates Muslim students perception that discrimination is prevalent.
SEE: Muslims Widely Seen As Facing Discrimination (The PEW Forum on Religion & Public Life)
Lastly, the involvement of federal authorities due to allegations of Muslim students supporting terrorist organizations is the continuation of law enforcement to abuse power and intimidate Muslims.
SEE: FBI's Coercive Tactics Endanger Muslim Community (MSA West)
MSA West stands being behind MSU’s mission of being a student advocate on campus in an environment entitled to academic freedom in an institution of higher learning where ideas should be voiced in an open-minded forum with no fear or threat of retaliation. We urge all students to rally around the cause of injustice to our constitutional rights.
FBI's Coercive Tactics Endanger Muslim Community
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MSA West Calls for an Immediate Suspension of Relationships with the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(Los Angeles, United States, 3/18/2009) – Muslim Students Association West (MSA West), a grassroots umbrella organization representing Muslim student groups from across the West coast, expressed concern today by recent FBI tactics to harass and entrap members of the American Muslim community.
SEE: The Informer: Behind the Scenes, or Setting the Stage? (Washington Post)
SEE ALSO: Is Big Brother At Your Mosque? (Infocus News)
American Muslims have worked to increase understanding and ensure the rights of all Americans, and have supported efforts to preserve national security and ensure civil rights. However, in recent weeks, incidents have come to light about the FBI's use of agent provocateurs in the Muslim community. These agents go beyond monitoring Muslims in local Islamic centers, which in itself is religious profiling, to provoke and entrap community members by setting up situations to incriminate innocent community members. Recently, Americans from all faiths and ethnicities opposed ill conceived efforts by LAPD to "map Muslims living in Los Angeles" as it violated the communities civil rights.
MSA West Statement: MSA West Condemns LAPD's Muslim Community Mapping Project
The trail of Ahmed Niazi, who refused to become an FBI informant and was threatened by FBI Agents that his "life would be made into a living hell," has further frustrated and intimidated Americans from practicing their Islamic faith. The agent provocateur that worked to put Niazi behind bars was a convicted felon who the FBI hired to impersonate a Muslim convert.
SEE: Man Says He Was Informant For FBI In Orange County (LA Times)
SEE: Man With Alleged Terror Ties Aided Police In 2007 (CBS 2 News)
The FBI's coercive tactics have raised doubts about its ability be an effective law enforcement agency. Such a breach of trust calls for the immediate suspension of relationships with the FBI, until the Federal Bureau issues a public apology and stops its use of illegal, endangering tactics.
MSA West reminds the community that the FBI has a long history of coercive tactics against minority communities and that Martin Luther King Jr. was himself under surveillance by the FBI. Muslim community leaders and organizations must stand united to ensure our rights as American citizens. We remind the community that to be Americans, we must stand up for our rights and hold federal agencies responsible for their activities.
All Americans should be aware of their individual rights.
WATCH: Got Rights? (Muslim Advocates)
MSA West applauds the work of the U.S. Muslim Coalition, led by the American Muslim Taskforce, which released a statement questioning the relationship between the Muslim community and the FBI. MSA West is a signator of the statement, below.
SEE: U.S. Muslim Coalition Considers Suspending Relations With FBI (American Muslim Taskforce on Civil Rights and Elections (AMT))
Moreover, MSA West calls on all students to raise awareness and organize both on campus and in their local communities by:
- Ask that your MSA/MSU be a signatory of this statement, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
- Asking that Islamic Centers, Imams, and organizations to work proactively in protecting the Muslim community's rights, dispelling fear, and ensuring the sanctity of the Islamic Centers by standing against FBI tactics to marginalize and intimidate the Muslim community.
- Contacting Muslim leadership to request that they cut off any relationship efforts with FBI until substantive changes takes effect and thank those organizations that have stopped meeting with the FBI;
- Contact your local Islamic Center to request that they raise community awareness through "Know Your Rights" workshops which can be organized through MSA West;
- Educate relatives, family friends and associates on their rights;
- Contact your local Islamic Center administration about any suspicious behavior;
- Contact your local member of Congress to raise awareness about concerns regarding FBI's coercive tactics;
- And make du`a' (supplication) for those that are falsely accused and imprisoned.
Contact: Suhaib Alzubi, President
Email:
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MSA West Condemns Atrocities in Gaza and Calls for Student Action
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even though it be against yourselves... follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do" (Qur'an 4:135).
(Los Angeles, United States, 12/31/2008) – Muslim Students Association West (MSA West), a grassroots umbrella organization representing Muslim student groups from across the West coast, condemns the recent Israeli air strikes in Gaza, which is a continuation of a humanitarian crisis following months of a crippling blockade. Recent attacks on Gaza have been described as one of Israel's bloodiest attacks on Palestinians since 1948. The death toll has reached over 390. Recently, the Gaza Strip, with a population of 1.5 million, was subjected to a collective punishment of brutal killing of innocent civilians, food deprivation and military force that is counter-productive and disproportionate. The civilians of Gaza now face a humanitarian crisis where basic food supplies in Gaza are running low, and hospitals are struggling to cope with the rising casualties. According to Oxfam, only 137 trucks of food were allowed into Gaza last month to feed the whole Gazan population. The United Nations reports that poverty has reached an "unprecedented level."
MSA West urges Muslim students to stay informed about the current crisis in Palestine. We also encourage Muslim students to take part in an active effort to raise awareness of this ongoing humanitarian crisis and to educate about its political motives and humanitarian effects in their respective communities. Furthermore, we encourage students to engage in public disapproval of the United State's aid to Israel, as well as to contact local government officials with a plea to bring an end to this atrocity. To become a part of a coalition that actively works for the Palestinian cause, contact MSA West at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
MSA West is a cohesive coalition of Muslim students united for the sake of Allah, who aim to embody the concepts of unity, strength and activism.
Contact: Suhaib Alzubi, President
Email:
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New Structure Update
MSA West has undergone a structural change this year, which include Southern California Region & Northern California Region. We have some new board positions that will focus on helping MSA's develop their programming, leadership, and communication. The positions include:
- Vice President: The Vice President is in charge of their local region. They will make sure that the region is running smoothly and that MSA West is meeting the needs of local MSA's. Any issues regarding a specific region can be addressed by the Vice President of that region.
- Events Director: The Events Director is in charge of helping MSA's plan events & to help coordinate events between different MSA's.
- Development Director: The Development Director is in charge of helping MSA's develop their leadership, strengthen their communication, & just about anything else that will help the MSA develop and become stronger.
- Communications Director: The Communications Director will help MSA's advertise any programs, events, or announcements.
For full board contact information please visit the Contact page.
MSA West Condemns LAPD's Muslim Community Mapping Project
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Muslim Students Stand United with All People of Conscience Against Community Profiling
(Los Angeles, CA, 11/13/07) – Muslim Student Association West (MSA West), a grassroots umbrella organization representing Muslim student groups from across the West coast, condemns the Los Angeles Police Department's proposed initiative to map Muslim communities in an effort to identify "extremist" influences. MSA West stands united with the ACLU, CAIR, Shura Council and Muslim Advocates in an open letter addressing the concerns of the Muslim community regarding the program. MSA West believes that the program does nothing to counter criminal and terrorist activity in the United States; rather, it targets groups and individuals based on their religious affiliation and creates unwarranted suspicion and demonization of the Muslim community. To have a systematic program of racial and religious profiling in any community goes against the very ideals of the Constitution, and attacks the civil rights and liberties of all American citizens.
Michael P. Downing, Deputy Chief of the LAPD's Counter-Terrorism and Criminal Intelligence Bureau –in a testimony to the US Senate on October 30 –suggests that law enforcement's job is not "one of religious scholar or social worker " and yet states that there are those "political jihadist" who are "attempting to create division, alienation, and a sense of persecution in Muslim communities" and that they "are the nemesis of community engagement..." facilitating "the radicalization process" and law enforcement must "elavate the moderate Muslim voice". The prevailing fear of homegrown terrorism has no concrete basis and cannot be used as justification for destroying protected freedoms. MSA West recognizes the obligation of the LAPD to secure Los Angeles, but vehemently stands against this initiative, which does nothing to further security but rather puts law enforcement in the precarious position of social worker, religious judge and jury, and analyst of political and social sentiments by utilizing a vague "moderate Muslim" litmus test. This is a gross violation of civil liberties that has been affecting minority communities.
The Qur'an says: "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even as against yourselves...So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you be not just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed God is ever, with what you do, well Acquainted." (Qur'an 4:135).
Suwila Habib, MSA West Vice President, states that "All people of conscience must stand firmly against the LAPD proposal to map the Muslim community and we request them to sign the petition in order to show their opposition. We ask Chief Bratton to immediately withdraw the Mapping Program, which is an ill concieved plan that places suspicion on the Muslim community of Los Angeles. We fear that students will be unfairly targeted for expressing views outside of mainstream media- such as our complete opposition to the war in Iraq, continued denial of Human Rights to the Palestinian people under the brutal occupation, and our outspoken stance against the violation of civil rights of the Muslim community under the Patriot Act."
MSA West urges Muslim students and community members to stay informed about developments concerning LAPD's Muslim Community Mapping project. We also encourage Muslim students to engage their campuses in open dialogue about this issue.
MSA West is a cohesive coalition of Muslim students united for the sake of God, who aim to embody the concepts of unity, strength and activism. This statement is endorsed by Muslim Student Associations across the West Coast including, but not limited to: MSA Cypress College, MSA UC Berkeley, MSA Chaffey College, MSA CSU Northridge, MSA CSU Long Beach, MSA San Jose City College, MSU UC Irvine, MSA SJSU, MSA USC, MSA UC Los Angeles, MSA Mount San Antonio College, MSA Arizona State University, MSA UC San Diego, MSA CSU Fullerton, MSA UC Davis.
