Policy Associate Najma Osman reflects on CAIR-WA’s 2024 Muslim Day at the Capitol: Day of Action for Gaza.
Muslim Day at the Capitol (MDAC) 2024 was held on February 29 in Olympia, Washington. This year, the half-day event was a time for Muslims in Washington state to come together for community-building, advocacy, and education around civic engagement.
Highlights from the Palestinian Voices Panel featuring Sabrene and Yazan
Experience in Advocacy and Organizing Work: Sabrene and Yazan shared poignant accounts of their advocacy journeys, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs they’ve encountered along the way. Their stories underscored the resilience and determination required in grassroots activism.
Personal Growth Through Advocacy: It was fascinating to hear Sabrene and Yazan reflect on the personal growth fostered by their involvement in advocacy. From acquiring new skills to gaining fresh perspectives, their narratives painted a vivid picture of the transformative power of activism.
Importance of Alliances and Coalition Building: Sabrene and Yazan emphasized the significance of solidarity and collaboration in effecting meaningful change. Their insights highlighted the value of forming alliances and working collectively to amplify voices and drive progress.
Vision for the Future of Advocacy Work for Palestine: Looking ahead, Sabrene and Yazan shared their ambitious vision for the future. Their discussions ranged from long-term goals to ongoing efforts, leaving us inspired and invigorated to continue the fight for justice.
Letter-writing and a Vigil for Gaza
Following the Palestinian Voices Panel, attendees engaged in letter-writing actions, where they advocated for various causes such as police training in Israel, funding for Islamophobia curriculum, and combating hate crimes and Islamophobia. It was heartening to see the community come together to take tangible steps towards making a difference.
The day culminated in a moving vigil led by Baladna. Dr. Rev. Larsen and Imam Jamal offered prayers for our Palestinian brothers and sisters, while Ahmad and Sabrene provided comforting words, reminding us to keep those we’ve lost in our thoughts and prayers. The vigil was a poignant reminder of the human cost of the ongoing crisis in Palestine, fueling our commitment to advocacy and action.
As the day concluded, it was evident that there’s still much work to be done.
What’s next
So, here’s the call to action: Let’s harness the momentum generated by MDAC 2024! Schedule meetings with your local, state, and federal lawmakers. I encourage you to engage in dialogue, share your concerns and demand a call for a permanent ceasefire.
Together, let’s continue to amplify Palestinian voices and work towards a future defined by peace, dignity, and equality for all.
Until next time, stay informed, stay engaged, and keep striving for positive change.
MDAC is a yearly advocacy event hosted by CAIR-WA, which promotes civic engagement and advocacy between Washington’s Muslims and their Washington state lawmakers. It’s a chance for Muslims in Washington state to speak directly to elected representatives and advocate for legislation that matters to our communities. We also hold educational events on lobbying and policy.
