Liberty & Justice For All
By Lean Tleib

CONGRATULATIONS, to the Mosque Foundation!!!  The hard work has paid off.  On Sunday, January 20th, the Community Forum of the 3rd Congressional District entitled “Liberty & Justice For All” took place at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church.  Two democratic candidates, Mark Pera and Jerry Bennett were present to hear personal testimonials, and were asked questions on topics ranging from Education and Civil Liberties to Housing. They witnessed the strength of various immigrant communities coming together. 

 For the last 2 months, the Mosque Foundation has been working with the Council on American-Islamic Relations-Chicago, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Institute for Latino Progress, Latino Organization of the Southwest, The Resurrection Project, and The Southwest Organizing Project to conduct the Candidate Forum of the 3rd Congressional District. 

It was a historic moment for the Muslim Community; Over 200 community members, about 70% of the audience turned out from the Mosque Foundation.  This triumphant display was recognized by our partners and allies in the Latino community.  The turnout of the Muslim community at the church forced the candidates to pay close attention to the questions posed by community leaders such as Aisheh Said (Vice President, Mosque Foundation) who asked, “Muslim Americans and Arab Americans are more likely to support and vote for candidates who pledge to actively  engage in “Promoting the Peace between Palestinians and Israelis.” Will you commit to support policies/resolutions that will Promote Just and Fair Peace between the Palestinians and Israelis?”  Ashraf Rabah asked the second question which was, “Will you commit to support policies that will increase humanitarian aid to Palestinians suffering from the siege in the West Bank and Gaza Strip?”  Ali Fadhli (MFCC counselor) posed the question “Since September 11, 2001, the requirement for a more comprehensive name check, has resulted in tremendous backlogs. The name check, which has caused substantial delays, is one of the many background checks conducted on an applicant, such failure is a sad return for the immigrant’s patriotism, belief in America’s democratic values and adherence to the law. Our community needs congress to establish a limit on the length of time it takes to complete a background check, provide the FBI with the necessary tools to clear the current backlog and establish a process of accountability and transparency within all agencies involved. What legislation will you commit to pass to eliminate the citizenship backlogs?” The group also listened to personal testimony from myself, (Lena Tleib, Assistant Director, Mosque Foundation Community Center), regarding the Crisis in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
 
 This was the first time that the Foreign Policy issue played a big role in a local candidate forum.  Proving how the Muslim community is involved in coalition building, broad alliances and civic engagement can make an impact on issues that directly affect our community. 

In order for our issues to be in the forefront of political campaigns, we have to be in the forefront of these events.  That means planning, strategizing and including our community members in the decision making process.  The Imams, Mosque Foundation Community Center staff and volunteers did a great job encouraging our community to attend the forum. Just like the proverb which says it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a whole community to bring our issues to light within the political arena. 

Events like this one are imperative to move our communities forward; they expose us to what the candidates plan to change in our communities and how they intend to improve them. They also expose the candidates to the issues our communities are experiencing, forcing them to respond. Like everything in life, human beings require motivation– we must motivate ourselves to vote. We must encourage others to vote. We must take it upon ourselves to show the strength of our numbers and show our leaders and aspiring leaders that the MUSLIM issues must be on the agenda. It is imperative that the Muslim community comes together to show those candidates who wish to represent us that we are a priority.
 
 I want to “THANK” all the men, women, youth, and kids who joined us in this blessed event.  I pray that Allah (swt) allows this event to be the stepping stone to begin a process of REAL CHANGE for all immigrant communities so social justice will prevail.