RES-2022-087RESOLUTION NO. 2022-087
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ANAHEIM TO RECOGNIZE AUGUST 2022 AS AMERICAN
MUSLIM APPRECIATION AND AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, Freedom of religion holds the distinction of being a cherished right and a
Fundamental value upon which the laws and ethics of the United States are based; and
WHEREAS, Enriched by the unparalleled diversity of its residents, the State of California
takes great pride in supporting individual religious freedoms and is strengthened by the diverse
religious, political, and cultural traditions of its residents, including Americans who practice Islam;
and
WHEREAS, The history of Islam in this country dates back to before its founding,
originating with enslaved Africans who brought their Muslim beliefs with them to the Americas
and who later contributed in numerous ways to the founding of the nation, and there are today
millions of American Muslims, both immigrant and native-born, of diverse backgrounds and
beliefs. Approximately one million Muslims currently reside in California, the highest number of
any state in the United States; and
WHEREAS, American Muslims contribute greatly to charitable organizations that help
people from all faiths and backgrounds in California, the United States, and around the world by
providing medical assistance, family services, scholastic supplies, before- and after -school
programs, feeding aid and emergency/disaster relief efforts; and
WHEREAS, The Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian (AMEMSA) community
and its allies have long considered the region between Crescent and Katella on Brookhurst as Little
Arabia, an area in Anaheim that is the home to more than 100 Arab and Muslim owned businesses.
Little Arabia is a hub for the AMEMSA community and other Anaheim residents to shop, eat,
gather, and build community; and
WHEREAS, The Council on American -Islamic Relations, Greater Los Angeles office is
headquartered in Anaheim and is the largest Muslim legal services and advocacy organization in
the United States and has been a valued partner organization within California, Orange County,
and Anaheim on issues related to the Census, emergency response, pandemic relief and,
responding to incidents of hate, and providing civil rights and immigration services to Muslim,
immigrant, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities; and
WHEREAS, The City of Anaheim is home to mosques, Islamic schools, Muslim based and
operated community organizations, and several prominent Muslim figures who continue to make
significant contributions to the city and the State as business owners, legal professionals, doctors,
engineers, teachers, farmers, civil rights leaders, humanitarians, athletes, and in many other great,
notable capacities; and
WHEREAS, The Islamic Institute of Orange County (IIOC) was established in 1991 to
serve both the Muslim and non -Muslim community of Anaheim. In addition to the five daily
prayers for Muslims, IIOC offers a variety of services that include weekly classes for women and
family counseling. IIOC has an after -school program, a Saturday school, and a full-time academic
school. For years, IIOC has also hosted a back -to -school program that includes providing Anaheim
residents with free school supplies; and
WHEREAS, Masjid Al-Ansar, located in an area in Anaheim recognized by the AMEMSA
community as Little Arabia, was founded in 1997. Since its establishment, Masjid Al-Ansar has
become a hub for Muslims in Anaheim to pray, gather with their neighbors, and gain knowledge
through various lectures that are offered. Masjid Al-Ansar has quickly gained a reputation of
assisting those in need within Anaheim by partnering with community organizations to provide
food drives that benefit all Anaheim residents; and
WHEREAS, Yaseen Education Foundation's (YEF) hosts weekly special events to honor
Islam's rich history and traditions and their contributions to the city are invaluable; and
WHEREAS, The Jafaria Islamic Society is one of the oldest Shia Islamic Centers in
Southern California and is located in Anaheim; and
WHEREAS, Access California was established in 1998 by Nahla Kayali to assist and serve
the immigrant and refugee population in Anaheim and Southern California. The office has grown
to become a culturally sensitive community -based organization that focuses on assisting Muslim -
American and Arab -American communities. Access California offers a wide range of services
including financial assistance, case management, healthcare access, citizenship services,
counseling, and education. Through these services, Access California has worked to empower and
create a new home for refugees and immigrants in Anaheim; and
WHEREAS, Owaiz Dadabhoy co-founded Uplift Charity in 2006 to serve and empower
the low-income Muslim community and has dedicated himself to providing tools and resources
for immigrants and families within the region. Uplift Charity is headquartered in Anaheim and has
expanded its support in 2021 to assist Afghan refugees and humanitarian parolees seeking safety
within Southern California. Uplift Charity has played a crucial role within Orange County in
responding to the large number of Afghan arrivals and is the first Muslim organization in the region
to resettle refugees; and
WHEREAS, Arab American Civic Council (AACC) is a grassroots organization that is
dedicated to being a resource for the Arab American community in Anaheim by facilitating civic
participation encouraging advancement of justice and equity. Through its work, the AACC aims
to empower the Arab American community by encouraging active involvement in local and state
politics. The AACC also empowers Arab American youth by offering fellowships that grant them
the opportunity to grow in the field of advocacy, as well as serve their community; and
WHEREAS, The Guide Academy is the first full-time Shia educational institute in
Anaheim providing academic success to its students. Guide graduates lifelong leaders and learners
with a sense of spiritual identity and cultural diversity; and
WHEREAS, The Dar-e-Zehra Women's Foundation is the first and only Shia Muslim
women -centric organization, providing religious education, cultural enrichment, and social
support programs to cultivate a strong sense of sisterhood; and
WHEREAS, It is appropriate to acknowledge and promote awareness of the myriad of
invaluable contributions of American Muslims in Anaheim, and extend to them the respect and
camaraderie every American deserves.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Anaheim
proclaim August 2022 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month in the City of
Anaheim.
THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION is approved and adopted by the City Council of the
City of Anaheim this 23 day of August , 2022 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil and Council Members Diaz,
Ma'ae, Moreno, Valencia and Faessel
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
[Mayoral vacancy]
CITY OF ANAHEIM
By:
MAYO RO �TEM O CITY OF ANAH IM
ATTEST-
3E�iKOF THE CITY OF A AHEIM
CLERK'S CERTIFICATE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss.
CITY OF ANAHEIM )
I, THERESA BASS, City Clerk of the City of Anaheim, do hereby certify that the foregoing is the
original Resolution No. 2022-087 adopted at a regular meeting provided by law, of the Anaheim
City Council held on the 23rd day of August 2022 by the following vote of the members thereof:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma'ae, Moreno, Valencia
and Faessel
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
[Mayoral vacancy]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 24th day of August, 2022.
CITY ILERK OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM
(SEAL)