Salam al-Marayati is an Iraqi-American Muslim activist and the founder and executive director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), a prominent American Muslim advocacy organization focused on promoting civil rights, interfaith dialogue, and civic engagement for Muslims in the United States. Born in Baghdad, Iraq, in 1960, al-Marayati's family fled political instability, first to Kuwait and then immigrating to the United States in 1965, where they settled in Los Angeles. He grew up in Southern California and became involved in Muslim community organizing during his university years, reflecting his early commitment to addressing the needs of immigrant Muslim communities amid rising Islamophobia and post-Cold War geopolitical shifts. Al-Marayati earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the early 1980s. In 1988, he co-founded MPAC as the Los Angeles chapter of the Islamic Movement of America before it became an independent national organization. Under his leadership, MPAC has engaged in policy advocacy, media relations, and educational initiatives, particularly in response to events like the 9/11 attacks, where it worked to counter anti-Muslim sentiment and promote understanding. Al-Marayati has been a frequent commentator on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, interfaith relations, and civil liberties, appearing in major media outlets and testifying before Congress. Throughout his career, al-Marayati has faced controversies, including criticisms for early statements following the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing suggesting possible Middle Eastern involvement (later clarified as domestic terrorism) and positions on groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, which some have labeled as sympathetic, though MPAC condemns terrorism. Despite adversarial relationships, such as public disputes with figures like Raphael Shore, al-Marayati remains a key voice in American Muslim advocacy, emphasizing pluralism and democratic participation.