American Islamic Congress

The American Islamic Congress was formed in the aftermath of September 11, when the need for interfaith understanding and tolerance made itself very evident. Jointly concerned about extremist Islam and terrorism as well as hate speech against Islam, the American Islamic Congress seeks to lead the interreligious effort through education, dialogue, and international development programs.

Two American offices, in Boston and Washington, D.C., produce guides for American teachers and parents that help educate children about Islam’s history and diversity, and hopefully foster a new generation of Americans who will be better equipped to meet challenges of religious conflict while maintaining religious tolerance. The AIC also offers help when dealing with hate speech, both spoken by and directed at Muslims.

The AIC’s office in Iraq has trained Iraqi school teachers and provided management and civil society outreach training through a women’s empowerment program. Along with the Syrian Tharwa Project, the AIC has also formed Hands Across the Mideast Support Alliance (HAMSA), which strives to bring together Americans in support of civil rights in the Middle East.