DALLAS: Several important sessions were held on the second day of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) annual convention in Dallas, Texas.
A breakfast was organized this morning, attended by senior U.S. officials, including Mohamed Elsanousi, a senior official on the Biden administration's Commission on International Religious Freedom, along with other U.S. and local officials.
The breakfast featured in-depth discussions on important international issues, while several sessions focused on conflicts such as those in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Sudan and Palestine.
In a session moderated by Faizan Haq, speakers discussed global conflicts in depth, with a special focus on Kashmir, Sudan and Palestine. Israr Ayoob and Farhan Chak shed light on the situation in Kashmir, while Rashid Ahmed, Amir Ullah Khan, Ubaid Rehman and Arfa Khanum Sherwani discussed the challenges faced by Indian Muslims.
In another session, Huda Alkaff, Uzma Mirza and Johari Abdul-Malik spoke about green mosques and social responsibilities from an Islamic perspective. This session was moderated by Syed Masroor Shah.
Dr. Yusuf Zia Kawaki was honored today with the Community Service Award for his outstanding contributions, and Professor Cornel West delivered the keynote address. The ISNA convention is ongoing in Dallas and will continue tomorrow. About 20,000 community members from across the United States are participating in this event.
The bazaar organised by ISNA also aroused great interest among the attendees. In exclusive statements to Geo newsMohamed Elsanousi, nominated by President Biden's administration to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, said ISNA serves as a platform for Muslims residing in the United States to address communal issues.
He mentioned that today's breakfast addressed various concerns of the Muslim community, both in the United States and internationally. He shared that he spent four years in Islamabad and fondly recalled his memories in Pakistan, expressing his gratitude to Geo news.
Asked about American Muslims' concerns regarding Biden's policies on Palestine, Elsanousi acknowledged that American Muslims are deeply concerned about Gaza and expect the current administration to play a crucial role in facilitating a ceasefire.
Elsanousi stressed that this demand is not only from Muslims but also from other communities. He also mentioned that a message was received from Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris for the Muslim community.
Noting that six other U.S. officials and local dignitaries attended the breakfast, Elsanousi said it was encouraging to see everyone's participation in the dialogue.
He also stressed the importance of continued participation of Muslims in these discussions to maintain pressure on the administration, noting that ISNA believes in collaborating with all members of Congress and the Senate, regardless of party affiliation, to ensure continued dialogue with those in power.
