Washington Report on Middle East Affairs   Celebrating 35 Years of Advocacy, Community, and Representation By Salam Al-Marayati MPAC President A little under 35 years ago, Dr Maher Hathout, may God have mercy on his soul, Abdelhamid Youness, and I came together at the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) to discuss the latest in what was a tumultuous year for America and the world. After being blessed with professional success and spending so much of their lives committed to the Muslim community in Los Angeles, both Dr Hathout and Mr Youness agreed that they had to do more– for their community, for their country, and for the world.

Fast forward more than three decades, and our organization has grown into something none of us could have ever imagined. As our community has evolved and the issues facing Muslims have transformed, MPAC has grown and transformed as well. I am still astounded when I consider some of the great accomplishments our community has achieved with the support of people like you over the years.  Dr Maher Hathout is no longer with us. But his vision which paved the way for our organization over the past 35 years remains alive. His hope was that the work we started would continue long after his passing, and now it is up to us to keep that vision alive. For 35 years, American Muslims have needed MPAC. And if the last few years are any indication, American Muslims still need MPAC.  And MPAC needs you. As 2023 approaches, I want to personally invite you to support MPAC’s 35th Anniversary Campaign. Consider making a donation today and invest in another 35 years of advocacy, community, and representation.