Shapiro announces largest grant to a Muslim organization in Pennsylvania

Governor Josh Shapiro announces grant to the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society in Philadelphia. (Photo by John Cole/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)
PHILADELPHIA — Describing it as the 'center of the universe in this community,' Gov. Josh Shapiro visited Al-Aqsa Islamic Society on Tuesday evening to announce a $5 million grant for the community center.
'I know that right now, as we're facing, tumult overseas and we're facing a lot of rising hate here at home, institutions are more important than ever before, and having community centers like this are more important than ever before,' Shapiro said to the room full of people sharing iftar, the meal eaten in the evening to break their Ramadan fast.
The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant is the largest grant in the history of the commonwealth given to a Muslim organization, according to Shapiro's office. The expansion will result in 12 new classrooms, a gym, and more spaces to bring the community together.
Asif Hussain, Chairman of the Board of Al-Aqsa Islamic Society, says the goal is to have an 'academic center of excellence' in the school, Al-Aqsa Academy. Currently, he said the K-12 school has about 300 students and they have a wait list as the community has grown in recent years.
'The idea would be to have a primary, secondary, and high school all in one building, and for students who are enrolled in primary education to stay for graduation, and this become a very important part of their development and their future endeavors,' Hussain said. He added the school currently has a 100% college placement rate and he would 'love to see' 3,000 students enrolled.
A lot of the children and teenagers are African and Middle Eastern and come from impoverished backgrounds, Hussain said, and that all of the students at the school receive scholarships and financial aid to help pay for their tuition.
He said the school utilizes the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) as part of the scholarships given to students, which he's described as 'very helpful.'
SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Shapiro said his administration has increased funding for education 'to a level never seen in the Commonwealth.'
'These are really wonderful kids,' he said. 'I think it's important to invest in centers of community.'
Shapiro said at the governor's residence recently, he heard from members of the Muslim community expressing 'fear because of the policies and the approach of the Trump administration.'
'Tomorrow (Wednesday) night, I'll be hosting an iftar at the governor's residence, and I expect that will come up in conversation,' Shapiro added. 'It does in nearly every room I'm in, especially with the Muslim community.'
Shapiro described it as a 'moment' where he thinks communities are 'fearful of the federal government.'
'And that's deeply concerning to me, and I want the Muslim community to know that they are welcome here in Pennsylvania,' Shapiro said. 'They are warmly embraced in Pennsylvania, that I've got their back and I'm going to protect them.'

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Business Insider

21 minutes ago

• Business Insider

Russia eyes three-way energy pact with Pakistan, Nigeria in major oil and gas deal

In a significant move that could reshape cross-continental energy partnerships, Russia has offered Pakistan stakes in its oil and gas fields located in Nigeria. Russia has proposed offering Pakistan stakes in its oil and gas fields located in Nigeria. Pakistan aims to strengthen bilateral ties and secure long-term energy supplies through this partnership. If finalized, the deal could form a tri-continental energy alliance involving Russian, Pakistani, and Nigerian resources. The proposal, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and securing long-term energy supplies for Pakistan, highlights Moscow's growing interest in expanding its presence in Africa's resource-rich energy sector. Pakistan, which previously attempted oil and gas exploration in Iraq through Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) with little success, is now shifting strategy. According to The Express Tribune, Islamabad is looking to invest in oil and gas fields already under development to reduce risk and enhance returns. During an ongoing visit to Moscow, a Pakistani delegation led by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik conveyed Pakistan's interest in acquiring stakes in such projects, particularly those in Nigeria involving Russian firms. Russian energy giant Gazprom, led by Sergey Tumanov, General Director of Gazprom International, is spearheading the initiative and has invited Pakistan's largest oil and gas explorer, the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), to join overseas ventures. Ahmed Hayat Lak, Managing Director and CEO of OGDCL, also participated in the meeting, highlighting the seriousness of Pakistan's bid. For Islamabad, the potential deal represents an opportunity to ease pressure on its foreign exchange reserves while diversifying its energy sources in a volatile global market. Gazprom's footprint in Nigeria's oil industry Gazprom, Russia's state-owned energy giant, has steadily expanded its presence in Nigeria's oil and gas sector through strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and bilateral agreements. Traditionally focused on natural gas exports to Europe and Asia, Gazprom is increasingly turning to Africa as part of Moscow's broader strategy to diversify its global energy reach. In countries like Algeria, Libya, and Nigeria, Gazprom has engaged in exploration, infrastructure development, and production-sharing arrangements. Nigeria, in particular, has become a focal point of the company's African ambitions, following a $2.5 billion deal signed with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation over a decade ago. Its latest move, inviting Pakistan to co-invest in Nigerian oil and gas fields signals a multi-layered strategy that ties together diplomatic, commercial, and logistical interests. If finalized, the partnership would represent a significant geopolitical and economic alignment, linking Russian assets, Pakistani capital, and Nigerian resources in a tri-continental energy alliance. gas reserves and plays a major role in global crude exports.

Yahoo

3 hours ago

• Yahoo

Shapiro, Pennsylvania lawmakers react to U.S. striking Iran's nuclear facilities

(WHTM) — Governor Josh Shapiro and other Pennsylvania lawmakers spoke on the United States' decision to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. Governor Shapiro fielded questions on numerous topics at the Pocono Raceway today, including the United States' decision to strike three nuclear sites in Iran early Sunday: Look, let me say, I'm the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Austin Davis is the Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Our job every single day is to ensure the safety and well-being of the good people of Pennsylvania. The first thing I want to say to the people of Pennsylvania is our security team, our State Police, homeland security and others, we've been in dialogue with one another to make sure that there is no threat to the Commonwealth as a result of what happened overseas. There is no threat. The people of Pennsylvania are safe and we're going to remain vigilant in our work here to to keep the people of Pennsylvania safe. Now, I know foreign policy isn't part of my job description as Governor, but it's a fair question given what happened last time. I'm happy to address it. I think what is most important right now is that we not have any escalation beyond what occurred last night. I don't think any of us want to get dragged into another long war in the Middle East. I think it is important that we are we are vigilant about that. Obviously, the Trump administration holds a responsibility for what comes next and ensuring that our American troops and our personnel in the region are safe. I will say with regard to the Iranian nuclear program, that was obviously very, very dangerous. The idea that Iran, the world's largest sponsor of terror, would have a nuclear weapon, would not only destabilize the Middle East, but it would create risk for American interests at home and abroad. It is good if Iran does not possess a nuclear weapon. I think it is important now that there be some accounting for the questions that I think a lot of people have, whether more diplomacy could have accomplished that, and I think it's also important that we have a full accounting for what actually happened last night. I want to hear from military leaders about whether or not this mission was successful. I want to thank our American troops, including those from Pennsylvania, who were involved in the planning and the execution of what occurred last night in the bombing of these nuclear sites in Iran. There are there are no greater warriors in the world than American troops, and we are proud of that here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, proud of our National Guard. I'm going to be swearing in about 40 new National Guards members in a moment. [We're] just proud of those who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation, who put on the uniform of freedom, and they go out and defend freedom at home and abroad. I think what we now need to focus on is diplomacy, in not having an escalation, in not allowing this to turn into a long war in the Middle East. We've got to get back around the table and ensure that diplomacy can take shape, diplomacy can take hold, and that there is no more violence between Israel and Iran, and beyond that, broadening it out, it is critically important that we get a cease fire in return of the hostages in Gaza. We need peace in the Middle East. We need to end these hostilities. Bringing home these hostages is key to that, and I want to just tell you that I'm praying right now for everybody in the Middle East, especially our Americans who are overseas, Americans who here who are on our bases. We want to make sure that they are safe and they're going to be in our prayers. As I said at the top, our job is to make sure that the good people of Pennsylvania are safe, and we're going to continue to do that with great urgency and great vigilance and great seriousness. Governor Josh Shapiro Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now State Rep. Dan Meuser's full statement, posted on X, depicts his reaction to the escalation: Despite a months-long, good-faith diplomatic effort led by President Trump, the Iranian regime refused to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Every opportunity for a peaceful resolution was rejected. Tonight's action was both justified and necessary. The United States has carried out a successful, targeted strike on Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. This operation sends a clear and unmistakable message: Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. These sites were at the core of a regime that funds terror, destabilizes the region, and threatens America and its allies. A nuclear-armed Iran would endanger Israel, inflict global instability, and put countless lives at risk. Thanks to the extraordinary precision of our Armed Forces, the mission was executed flawlessly, and all aircraft returned safely. Peace through strength is the only path forward. The United States must remain committed to dismantling Iran's nuclear program and standing with our allies against terror. We continue to hope that Iran will finally come to the table and help forge a lasting peace in the Middle East. Rep. Dan Meuser on X Sen. Dave McCormick also weighed in on the strikes in his own statement on X: As I have said all along, Iran must not have a nuclear weapon. This targeted attack on Iran's nuclear facilities is the result of the Iranian regime's failure to make a deal despite months of President Trump's good faith efforts to negotiate. I applaud President Trump's strong leadership and his continued commitment to peace through strength. Once again, America's detractors around the world should know President Trump means what he says. And I am so grateful for America's brave warriors, who appear to have achieved their mission successfully and are returning home safely. I look forward to being briefed along with my Senate colleagues on this action. This is an important step toward ensuring that the world's largest state sponsor of terror never obtains a nuclear weapon. Senator Dave McCormick on X President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the White House, asserting that Iran's key nuclear facilities were 'completely and fully obliterated.' However, there was no independent damage assessment, according to the Associated Press. The United States struck three sites in Iran in an attempt to destroy Iran's nuclear program. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Business Insider

8 hours ago

• Business Insider

10 most peaceful African countries in 2025, according to latest ranking

Mauritius is Africa's most peaceful country in 2025, securing the 26th spot globally. Botswana comes next, ranked 43rd in the world, while Namibia follows in third place on the continent, holding the 50th position globally. Business Insider Africa presents the 10 most peaceful countries in Africa in 2025, according to latest ranking. The list is courtesy of Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) Mauritius is Africa's most peaceful country in 2025, ranking 26th globally. While headlines often focus on unrest, the latest Global Peace Index 2025 reminds us that there are corners of the continent where peace is thriving. Published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the Global Peace Index is the world's leading benchmark for measuring peace across 163 countries, using 23 indicators including safety, conflict levels, and military expenditure. And while the report paints a sobering global picture, with violence costing the world nearly $20 trillion in 2024, some African countries are bucking the trend. Mauritius is Africa's most peaceful country in 2025, securing the 26th spot globally. Botswana comes next, ranked 43rd in the world, while Namibia follows in third place on the continent, holding the 50th position globally. However, the report also highlights that Sub-Saharan Africa's overall peace score deteriorated in 2025 with its average score falling by 0.17%. Regionally, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) remains the least peaceful region globally, and it is home to four of the ten least peaceful countries in the world. South Asia, which recorded the largest average deterioration of all the regions, due in part to significant declines in peacefulness in Bangladesh and Pakistan, is now the second least peaceful region globally. Below are the 10 most peaceful countries in Africa in 2025, according to latest ranking: Rank Country Global rank 1 Mauritius 26th 2 Botswana 43rd 3 Namibia 50th 4 The Gambia 55th 5 Sierra Leone 57th 6 Madagascar 59th 7 Ghana 61st 8 Zambia 65th 9 Senegal 69th 10 Liberia 70th