US Young Muslims Feel Pressured
Sudan Events – Sumaya Sayed
Young people living in the US showed great interest in the congress organized by the Muslim American Society (MAS) and the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), which are Muslim umbrella organizations in the US.
They hold the Biden administration responsible for the increasing pressure in all areas, from social media to university campuses, against expressing pro-Palestinian views.
The three-day congress, held annually in the city of Chicago in the state of Illinois, was marked by the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza caused by Israeli attacks and the intense interest of Muslim youth.
As the countdown begins for the November 2024 US Presidential Elections, all eyes are on the crucial role of young people in the ballot and campaign process.
Tarek Khalil, the American Muslim Education Coordinator for Palestine, has been actively involved in US politics since his student years.
In his current role, closely connected with university students, Khalil said that students feel under attack.
“I think it’s crucial that we as activists, we as educators, we as political agents here in the US and elsewhere that we provide the students the tools and provide them the legal defence and political defence that is necessary so that they don’t feel stifled so they are they’re able to continue their work,” Khalil added.
For Khalil, the protection in question could alleviate the pressure on Muslim youth. He mentioned Muslim youth who face the risk of losing their scholarships, academic careers, and jobs due to “antisemitic” accusations resulting from their support for the Palestinian cause during the occupation of Gaza.
“This new generation is willing to put up with those consequences because it’s just a different mindset has grown in these days. Because they are the future leaders, they are the ones that are going to eventually create a free environment for Palestinians and create a free Palestine,” he added.
