On June 17th, 2020, American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) launched their monthly webinar series #LetsTalkBLM. This features prominent Black leaders and activists sharing and socio-political perspectives. This series also explores practical solutions to building a “just and anti-racist society.” AMP, among other Palestinian organizations, has demonstrated a commitment to educating its constituents. They discuss the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in America. They also emphasize “standing in solidarity with Black Americans in their struggle for justice and equality.”
Mohamad Habehh
On May 9th, shortly after the murder of Ahmaud Arbery,Mohamad Habehh held a talk on Facebook. Habehh is the American Muslims for Palestine National Development Coordinator. He spoke with Imam Khalid Shahid from Masjid al-Islam in Dallas. He also talked with Nyle Fort, a minster, and organizer in Newark, NJ.
Mohamad Habehh is a Palestinian and human rights advocate. He has been featured in international news outlets like TRT World and Justice for All Now. Habehh frequently speaks at conventions and events nationwide.
In introducing the talk, Habehh said, “We know as Palestinians that there has always been solidarity between our community. Our struggle and the struggle of Black people in America and around the world. It is important for us as a Palestinian community to learn from Black activists and Black leaders on the work that’s being done here in America. And work that we can do to help and support them, to make sure our causes stay aligned and our causes are able to make a difference here.”
Taher Herzallah
The Associate Director of American Muslims for Palestine, Taher Herzallah, was also recently featured in the Middle East Eye. The article is titled “Meet Arab Americans taking to the streets to support Black Lives Matter.” Taher said in an interview, “I feel that as a Muslim American, and as a Palestinian American, I need to show up where it was needed most… I wanted to actually be on the ground. Putting myself between Black bodies and police. Making sure that we were making the best use of our youth and our health to help our brothers and sisters in this moment.” Taher also spoke extensively on meaningful interfaith alliances.
AMP and BLM
Earlier in 2016, American Muslims for Palestine issued a statement titled, “AMP in Solidarity with Movement for Black Lives.” This was around the time the Movement for Black Lives announced its platform: A Vision for Black Lives: Policy Demands for Black Power, Freedom, & Justice. AMP “recogniz[ed] that [they] cannot advocate for Palestinian liberation and human rights while ignoring the systemic racism that impacts Black and Brown people on a daily basis. The American Muslims for Palestine unequivocally and without reservation endorse the platform in its entirety.”
American Muslims for Palestine also has a public anti-bigotry statement. It states “the American Muslims for Palestine upholds inherent human rights for all people everywhere and firmly stands against all forms of bigotry and racism. Specifically, the struggle for the inalienable rights for Palestinians is categorically opposed to all forms of racism and bigotry. Including Islamophobia, anti-black racism, anti-immigrants, anti-Semitism, and other forms of bigotry directed particularly toward people of color and indigenous peoples everywhere.”
