Harrisburg, Pennsylvania--Yesterday, Saturday, July 14, Scott Cooper, founder of Veterans for American Ideals and director of nationals security outreach at Human Rights First, accepted the annual Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's Humanitarian Award, along with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthia of Illinois. The award is presented each July to “individuals who honor fundamental and universal human rights guaranteed both in the Holy Quran and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.”

“I am humbled to accept this award,” said Cooper. “And honored to partner and collaborate with the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Community. Together we can encourage our fellow citizens to open our arms rather than to clench our fists; to look out rather than to turn inward; to accept rather than reject.”

The award, which is given to individuals who “strive to assist oppressed and disadvantaged communities around the world,” was presented on Saturday July 14^th, 2018, at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s 70th Jalsa Salana USA (Annual Convention). Over eight thousand people attended this year's conference, themed: "Justice: The Foundation for Lasting Peace. The Ahmadiyya community is a fast-growing international revival movement within Islam that was founded in 1889, it spans over 195 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is the oldest American-Muslim organization.

Past recipients of the Humanitarian Award  include lawmakers, public servants, NGO leaders, religious leaders, charity workers, academics, authors, and scientists. Recent honorees include U.S. Congressman Mike Honda; Lutheran Services in America; Bill Ayers, co-founder for Whyhunger; Katrina Lantos Sweat, U.S. Chair of the commission on international religious freedom, and Robert George, chair of the U.S. commission on International Religious Freedom.

As the Director of National Security Outreach, Scott Cooper is Human Rights First’s chief ambassador to the national security community. He also leads the project, Veterans for American Ideals (VFAI), a nonpartisan movement of military veterans who advocate American leadership on human rights.

“The celebration of religious freedom, of active citizenship, and of bridging divides through human connection gives me great hope, and they are all central to the work of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. I look forward to continuing our close collaboration together.”

For more information about the award or two speak with Cooper, contact Christopher Plummer at [email protected] or 202-370-3310.