The Jewish Federation Orange County was quick to publicize the recommendation to suspend MSU in a video they released. Contrary to what the Jewish Federation President Shalom Elcott has stated in the video, the MSU has not been “officially sanctioned and suspended” by UCI’s administration.  Furthermore, it seems that the advocates for MSU’s suspension intend to emphasize the organization’s apparent support of disrupting Oren’s speech to justify the idea of dismantling the student group. What they fail to highlight are the MSU’s positive contributions on its campus and beyond.

Like many other student organizations, the MSU has a history of involvement in humanitarian efforts such as hosting blood drives, making and packing PB&J sandwiches for the homeless, and promoting “Humanitarian Day”. In this year alone, the active MSU hosted a variety of events including Islam Awareness Quarter, Hijab Day Challenge, and a fundraiser for Haiti. By selling shawerma and applying henna designs, the MSU was able to raise approximately $5,000 for Haiti within two weeks.

Supporters of the recommendation to suspend the MSU have failed to recognize and acknowledge the positive impact this MSU has had on the local and global level. In fact, the MSU was recently awarded the Social Justice Award by the UCI Cross Cultural Center. By pushing for the suspension, the advocates harshly and unfairly attempt to prevent this MSU from not only organizing future events that the advocates do not find to their liking, but also ones that may benefit the greater community. It’s ironic that in their letter, the Jewish Federation suggests that the administrators require the MSU members to participate in 50 hours of community service collectively. Yet, I ask why they overlook and refuse to recognize the services the MSU has already done and has the potential of doing.

Another important topic I feel I must take the opportunity to comment on, relates to the events which took place at the University of California Irvine’s campus. 11 members of our Muslim community were improperly treated and unjustly dealt with for practicing a constitutional right, of all Americans. I know that the event I’m talking about has been mentioned many times before and you may be overwhelmed with the plethora of opinions about it, but unfortunately here’s one more.

Whether you agree with the approach or not you must admit that the actions taken by the 11 UCI students accomplished an increased awareness of the current situation on the UCI campus, regarding the Palestinian Israeli conflict. It has been brought to light how UCI has become a hotspot for the issue. I not only agree with how they dealt with it I feel it is our duty to support them. Remember, as a Muslim you should always give your fellow Muslim brothers and sisters at least 70 excuses before reaching your final opinion, and you should never pass judgment on anyone for that is not your right, judgment of intention is only determined by Allah(swt).  So for all those who feel this event has caused for us to take two steps back, I recommend for you to reassess your opinions and determine whether it is opinions against our fellow brothers and sisters which will cause for us to stand still.

Salaam Walaikum,

Mohammed Raouf Iqbal

-In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful-

Assalamu alaykum (peace be upon you),

You may have heard of the recent event at UC Irvine with Michael Oren, the ambassador of Israel to the US.

While he was invited by a student organization to speak on US-Israeli relations, the UCI Law School and the Political Science Department cosponsored the speech by Oren, a public figure who represents a state that continues to commit more human rights violations than any other country. See the MSU’s statement regarding his presence on campus for more details: msuuci.com

At the event, 11 students who chose to protest by making clear and organized statements were arrested and held in a room until after the event. The school is also currently threatening to punish the students, aiming to send a political message by selective enforcement of university policies.

Contact UCI Chancellor Michael Drake NOW to declare that it is unjust to arrest these students. Supporters of the arrests are contacting administration in large numbers, and your support is needed desperately!

Ask to speak with Chancellor Drake or leave a message at: (949) 824 – 5011 and email him at: chancellor@uci.edu

Speak to the Dean of Students office, who are determining the punishment at: (949) 824-5181 and email them at: deanstu@uci.edu

Here are some important points to bring up:

• · It was unjust to arrest students for simply having the courage to stand up and speak out against a man responsible for propagating the deaths of thousands of innocent people.
• · Civil disobedience has historically played an instrumental role in the civil rights movement in America the eventually ensured equality and human rights for all minorities.
• · Michael Oren is a representative of a state that is condemned by more UN Human Rights Council resolutions than all other countries in the world, and he should not be honored at UC Irvine.
• As concerned community members, we will not support an educational institution that threatens to punish its’ students with suspension and expulsion for standing up for their principles.

Thank you for your support.

Jazakum Allahu khairan.