Building Political Relationships

By: Lena Tleib

Each and every one of us was affected by what occurred in GAZA earlier this year and what is continuing until today.  All of us were upset, saddened and desperate to end the attacks, but our voices and concerns didn’t matter.  When we contacted our representatives to assist us, they not only rejected to help, but didn’t answer phone calls, reply to our emails or vote in favor of the ceasefire.  The relationship between the Arab and Muslim community and its representatives was so limited that Congressman Mark Kirk said, "To misquote Shakespeare, something is rotten in Gaza and it’s time to take out the trash.” We can NO LONGER allow these statements or any other anti- Palestinian remarks to be said.  We MUST take a stand now for CHANGE.  Building stronger relationships with the media and local politicians is crucial to the fill the gap between us, ensuring a different outcome now and in the future.  Working on these relationships can help our community in many ways such as: raising awareness, advancing our mission, fundraising, and advocacy.  Yes, we can have good, positive relationships with our governors, mayors, school boards, and congressmen.  Yes, we can change how non-Muslims view Muslims.  Yes, we can have Arabic in public schools.  Yes, we can help Palestine, including occupied lands, like Gaza.  Yes, we can boycott and be successful.  Yes, we can put pressure on the United States to stop military aid to Israel.  YES, WE CAN!!!  Let us work together as one in order to achieve success. 

 Here are ways to improve and build your relationship with your local representatives:

• Research his/her biography
• Learn what the politician’s self-interest

o        What is important to them?  What they want to achieve?

·         Compile a list of their allies, contributors

·         Gather a list of committees they sit on and the role they play

·         Make note of their voting patterns

Like anything, our community needs to react to the good and the bad things that our representatives accomplish. We can not just let them hear our voices when a catastrophe occurs, such as Gaza.  We must have constant contact, whether it is through phone calls, emails, or stopping by their offices.  I pray Allah (swt) allows us to see the importance of our Arab and Muslim communities to unite on this stands and work together in building healthy, positive relationships.