Farouk's Passing: Release and Represent

After two years’ detention, and as a legally stateless person, Farouk Al Muhti had been detained far beyond any justifiable limit. Only one hundred days after his release, the sudden passing of Palestinian American Farouk came as a shock to friends, family and many fellow activists. It seems certain that the stress of his experience was a major cause of his death.

Yet, during his confinement Farouk encouraged other detainees to advocate strongly for their rights, and after his release he immediately and heroically threw himself back into activism with both feet. He had an endearing tendency to give speeches at any opportunity. I am now sorry to admit I was impatient with this sometimes. But I had begun to realize that Farouk shared his sincerity through a generous spirit. This spirit is essential in social transformation beyond politics as usual. We all need more of this quality, for our own redemption.

Last week a Muslims Weekly columnist reported in great detail how “over-represented” Jews are in the US Congress, in proportion to the overall population. I wonder if this approach does not lack that spirit of generosity. First, all Jews do not vote the same way. Indeed, there is a vast range of views represented by the names he lists. Should we not first be concerned about our officials’ intelligence and honesty, instead of their religious affiliation? Moreover, it is the Christian right, not the Jews, who have formed a crucial Zionist bloc.

Yes, we can and should object to the influence of AIPAC and other lobbying groups, but to win hearts and minds we Muslims need credibility. We need to convince others in the US that we are reasonable partners. We need them to pay attention to the recent UN vote about the wall. We must demand an end to double standards for nuclear power Israel. However, despite our objections to the many past injustices, we need to be clear and unambiguous about Israel’s right to exist and about the appropriate means for struggle.

Muslim activists and pundits must be very careful not to confuse Zionism with Judaism. They are not the same thing. To complain of “too many Jews” will certainly give others the sense that we are anti-Semitic. We need to be more precise in what we are criticizing. Why don’t we instead just say there are too few Muslims (as well as women, and other minorities) in positions of power, and get involved in changing this on the local level.

You too can learn how to get involved more effectively. Such advocacy groups as CAIR and ADC have helpful guides for accessing your local representative, which is not always an easy task. Many activists are planning to protest the two upcoming conventions. This period may also be an opportunity to get positive media reporting on our communities, as well as recognition of our needs. However, according to Sharif Corinaldi, the election for president will not be decided in places like New York, but in swing states like Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Many, especially low-income, people have not registered to vote. If you wish to be involved in a progressive registration drive campaign, some programs will arrange transportation. It could be a fund and inspiring way to spend a weekend (see swingstatesummerbreak.org).

Others also depend on your help. As you may know, the people and refugees of Darfur are facing extinction from hunger and ethnic massacres. Very shamefully, this is a fight between Muslim peoples. Please look at the ads and donate generously to provide emergency food and medicine. Or do you assume that the non-Muslims will do the right thing instead of you?

The US is currently trying to link foreign aid to democratization and reform (but probably also access to markets), to opposition to abortion and also to opposition to the International Criminal Court. This month, Congress voted to tie foreign assistance to a willingness to exempt or excuse US soldiers from court jurisdiction. So if more Abu Ghraibs come to light, the US government can control the political damage – just as the US army disgracefully tried to do last week, releasing a weak white wash report the same day that the 9/11 Commission released their more responsible report. These tactics indicate the disgusting politicization of foreign assistance. I challenge our columnists to research the names of those Congressional representatives voted for this vile law. This is much more relevant information than their religious affiliation.

Think globally, act locally. As some of his many friends said at his memorial services at the 96th Street Islamic Center, Farouk was always a free man sharing the gift of his freedom, who gave his last breath for the cause of liberation everywhere, insha’Allah. An inspiration. Like Moses, he did not quite get to the promised land, but he saw a vision of it. Yet he had no financial assets, so those wishing to make a donation to his family should also contact: Committee for the Release of Farouk Abdel-Muhti; PO Box 20587, Tompkins Square Station, New York, NY 10009; Phone: 212-674-9499 * Email to: freefarouk@yahoo.com; Websites: www.freefarouk.org * freefarouk.netfirms.com