FIA
Federation of Islamic Associations in the United States and Canada
The Federation of Islamic Associations in the United States and Canada Inc. (FIA) was an umbrella organization representing local Muslim communities across North America. Established in 1952, it was originally known as the International Muslim Society and focused on maintaining ties among scattered Muslim communities, particularly those of Lebanese and Syrian descent, while advocating for recognition of Islam in American institutions such as the armed services.[1] The organization's headquarters were located in suburban Redford Township, and it claimed a membership of approximately 350,000.[2]
Mission and Activities
The FIA emphasizes the religious dimensions of Islam, providing spiritual guidance, educational programs, and community support to its member organizations. It operates an Islam anti-defamation office to combat perceived discrimination and stereotypes against Muslims.[2] As an early North American Muslim federation, it facilitated annual conventions, youth networking, and cultural preservation efforts for immigrant communities.[1] The organization has historically positioned itself as a "moderate" voice within the Arab American political landscape, promoting interfaith dialogue and civic engagement while advocating for Arab Palestinian rights and broader Middle Eastern issues. But in fact has disseminated hate literat too.[2]
Support Base
The FIA drew significant backing from small business owners, particularly Iraqi entrepreneurs concentrated in the greater Detroit metropolitan area, a hub for Arab American communities.[2] This demographic support has bolstered its regional influence, with Detroit serving as a key center for its activities.
Highlight
Despite its proclaimed "moderate" voice, the FIA participated in events and speakers associated with antisemitism, Holocaust denial, and anti-Zionist rhetoric. At a small international convention, held in July 1984, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan, attendance fell short of expectations (around 150–1,000 delegates), but the program featured inflammatory content.[2]
Key incidents included:
- A panel on "Jerusalem: Victim[sic] of Eternal Enmity[sic] with Zionism," where speaker Issa Nakhleh, a New York-based representative of the Arab Higher Committee and legal adviser to the Muslim World League, delivered a speech accusing the so called "lobby" of bribing U.S. senators, committing "genocide" against Palestinians, and conspiring to destroy Islamic holy sites. Nakhleh praised historical antisemites like Henry Ford (author of The International Jew) and Charles Coughlin for opposing "Zionist control" of America, and defended Hitler-admirer Louis Farrakhan as an "eloquent orator" victimized by supposed "twists."[2]
Nakhleh, who had a long history of Holocaust denial dating back to the 1950s in Argentina—where he collaborated with neo-Nazis and glorified Hitler's regime—exemplified the event's controversial tone.[3][4]
- Philadelphia-based Hajji Abdullah Ahmad distributed literature explicitly denying the Holocaust's scale, claiming that six million Jews were not -supposedly- killed by the Nazis.[2]
These elements drew accusations of promoting hate speech, though the FIA maintained its focus on religious and cultural advocacy.[2] The convention also included interfaith panels, such as one on alleged Israeli "desecrations" in Jerusalem featuring Rev. William Gepford and Imam Muhammad Karoub.[2] Non-Muslim attendees, including Detroit City Council President Erma Henderson, participated in later sessions.[2]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Federation of Islamic Associations. Oxford Reference.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 Abrams, Alan. "Lifting the Veil", Detroit Jewish News, 1984-08-03.
- ↑ Issa Nakhleh, IAP. Investigative Project on Terrorism.
- ↑ Issa Nakhleh (1915-2003): A supposed "Christian" - After a long bloody Neo-Nazi career.... Daniel Pipes.
