Nihad Awad

Uphold the Constitution

2011-10-03T13:22:00.001-07:00

By Nihad Awad

Publshed by USAToday October 3, 2011

Let’s start where we agree. Anwar al-Awlaki was a propagandist for violence and extremism. His repeated calls to kill Americans cannot be denied or underestimated. The extent of his actual involvement in terrorist operations is something the public is not privy to.

He was an Internet personality, not a scholar on Islam. He lacked the authority to issue religious verdicts and rulings. Real Muslim scholars refuted his twisted interpretations, but they lacked his charisma and slick publishing apparatus. American Muslims condemned his video messages endorsing the killing of Americans.

But now to the more difficult issue. The Fifth Amendment states, "No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." We should reject any domestic or foreign policies that diminish constitutional protections.

While the killings of Anwar al-Awlaki and Samir Khan by a U.S. drone strike may be popular with many, times and enemies have a tendency to change.

If we accept that the president can order the killing of any American without due process of law, the Constitution is rendered meaningless.
Even in the post-9/11 era, our leaders and military personnel have a duty to uphold the Constitution.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has advocated for hundreds of American Muslims denied due process when placed on no-fly or watch lists. Citizens of all faiths and political persuasions should know that their constitutional rights could be similarly denied in some future national crisis.

We join the ACLU and other groups in urging Congress and the courts to take up this issue.
Studies show that drone strikes fuel anti-American anger and boost recruiting for al-Qaeda. There is little evidence that the attacks decrease the terror threat — the opposite may be true.
Our nation’s war on terror will not be won through force of arms. It will be won when we are shown to be a nation in which respect for the law transcends fear, and hostility toward today’s enemies does not cause us to forget our founding principles.

America's enemies can never win on the field of battle. Their only hope of an American defeat is one we inflict on ourselves.

Nihad Awad is national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil liberties organization.
He may be reached at nawad@cair.com

Nihad Awad - Can Muslims Co-Exist Peacefully and Justly with Other Faith Communities?

2011-07-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Nihad Awad - Can Muslims Co-Exist Peacefully and Justly with Other Faith Communities?

Statement of CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad on Peter King Hearing

2011-03-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

Washington, DC, March 9, 2011

Since Representative Peter King announced tomorrow's planned hearing on American Muslims, more than 250 organizations have written to him expressing concerns about his statements and allegations.

Hundreds of leaders from across the nation, including more than 80 interfaith representatives from King's home of Long Island, New York, have expressed similar concerns.

Representative King's two main allegations -- that American Muslims do not cooperate with law enforcement and that 80 to 85 percent of their leadership are "extremists" -- are demonstrably false.

Top law enforcement officials such as FBI Director Robert Mueller and Sheriff Lee Baca, commander of the nation's largest sheriff's department and a board member of the National Sheriff's Association, say Muslims support and cooperate with law enforcement.

Just this week, a former FBI counterterrorism director rejected the allegation of Muslim non-cooperation.

Michael Rolince, who headed the Counterterrorism Division in the FBI's Washington field office between 2002 and 2005, said: "I will tell you in no uncertain terms that the community has on multiple occasions come forward and assisted law enforcement.”

Academic research also refutes Congressman King's claims.

Earlier this year, Duke University found that tips from the American Muslim community provided information “that led to a terrorist plot being thwarted in 48 of 120 cases involving Muslim Americans.” Duke University also found that, “[M]any mosque leaders had put significant effort into countering violent extremism.”

There is no denying that people of evil intent covet the opportunity to recruit Americans, including those of the Islamic faith, and to pull them away from the straight path of Islam to the deviated path of violent extremism.

CAIR and the mainstream Muslim community are natural enemies of those who promote violent extremism.

There is also no denying that – except for a tiny minority -- violent extremists have not found fertile ground in America. Many individuals and institutions, including law enforcement, homeland security personnel, and the leaders and members of the American Muslim community, deserve a share of the credit for this.

CAIR has always maintained that it is both a civic and religious duty to immediately report criminal activity to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Equally, like any civil liberties organization, we advise our community to know their constitutional rights.

Our community has reasonable concerns with some law enforcement activities and policies.

These concerns include overly-broad surveillance of Muslims and their institutions based solely on religion, concerns about FBI and other agencies pursuing lines of questioning related to First Amendment protected activities, concern about the use of Muslim-bashers as law enforcement trainers, and concerns about American Muslims abroad facing denial of due process and pressure to become informants.

Tomorrow, Congressman King will have the spotlight. We sincerely hope that he and his witnesses abandon false allegations, personal agendas and irresponsible rhetoric in favor of a sober and objective hearing.

Sadly, a disturbing number of religious, ethnic and racial minorities – including African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Jewish Americans, Catholics, Mormons, and many others -- have been singled out for discrimination at various times in our history. American Muslims would be doing a disservice to the sacrifices of minorities before us if we do not stand up for ourselves now.

We ask our fellow Americans not to succumb to Rep. King’s fear-mongering. We ask our fellow Americans to reject his false and unsubstantiated allegations. And we thank the many political and religious leaders who have spoken against King’s divisive hearing.

America was not built for any one religion, race or ethnicity. It was built on a set of principles. One of those principles is respect for pluralism. We hope Congressman King will remember that and work to unite, not divide our nation.

CAIR: Coalition to Challenge ‘Misinformation’ in King Hearings

2011-03-07T14:03:00.001-08:00

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/7/11) –- On Wednesday, March 9, a coalition of Muslim, interfaith and civil rights groups will hold a news conference in Washington, D.C., to challenge misinformation that may be repeated in the first of a series of hearings on Muslim “radicalization” to be held Thursday by Rep. Peter King (R-NY).

WHAT: Groups to Challenge ‘Misinformation’ in King Hearings
WHEN: Wednesday, March 9, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Lisagor Room, National Press Club, 13th Floor, National Press Building, 529 14th Street N.W., Washington, D.C.
CONTACT: CAIR National Legislative Director Corey Saylor, 202-384-8857, E-Mail: csaylor@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com

At the news conference, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) will challenge Rep. King to offer facts to back up his false claims that "85 percent" of mosques in his state and nationwide are run by "radicals” and that law enforcement officials receive little cooperation from American Muslim leaders.

CAIR will also provide real-time Twitter commentary on Thursday’s hearing at @CAIRNational. Tune in to the conversation at #KingHearings. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. (Eastern) on March 10.

King's attack on U.S. Muslims: Head of CAIR says terrorism hearings will stoke fears

2011-03-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

Published in New York Daily News, 2/28/2011
By Nihad Awad

Long Island Rep. Peter King's announcement that he will hold hearings on the alleged "radicalization" of American Muslims has sent a shudder through our community.

But understand: This response is not because of opposition to the concept of holding hearings on growing political and religious extremism of all stripes. We would support such hearings, provided they were balanced and fair.

We would support such hearings, if they were broadened to also examine what led someone to plant an IED on the parade route of this year's Martin Luther King Day parade in Spokane, Wash., and what caused U.S. hate groups to top 1,000 for the first time, according to Southern Poverty Law Center - then they would gain our support.

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), ranking member on the committee King chairs, asked him to expand the hearings to include "a broad-based examination of domestic extremist groups regardless of their ideological underpinnings." King refused.

In fact, our community's response to King's planned hearings is reasonable given his record of irresponsible and factually inaccurate remarks regarding America's Muslims.

King justifies his call for hearings with two often-repeated talking points: 1) that law enforcement officials tell him they received little or no cooperation from "Muslim leaders and imams," and 2) that "85%" of mosques in his state and nationwide are run by "radicals" who constitute "an enemy living amongst us."

Expert testimony and actual research paint a different picture.

In April 2008, FBI Director Robert Mueller told the U.S. House Judiciary Committee: "I reaffirm the fact that 99.9% of Muslim-Americans ... are every bit as patriotic as anybody else in this room, and that many of our cases are a result of the cooperation from the Muslim community in the United States."

Brian Michael Jenkins, a senior adviser at the nonpartisan RAND Corp., finds "an American [Muslim] population that remains hostile to jihadist ideology and its exhortations to violence."

A December 2010 Congressional Research Service report cites numerous examples of partnership between federal authorities and American Muslim communities.

Quintan Wiktorowicz, the new senior director for global engagement at the White House National Security Council, shattered stereotypes when his research found that very religious Muslims were in fact the most resistant to radicalization.

These are sources anyone can verify. On the other hand, King's "85%" claim is based solely on a comment made by one person speaking at a 1999 State Department forum. That individual never produced any evidence to back up his bizarre claim.

CAIR Asks Rep. King to Drop Witness Linked to Massacre Group

2011-02-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

Walid Phares is 'former official' of group implicated in 1982 massacre of Palestinians

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 2/23/2011) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on Rep. Peter King (R-NY) to drop a witness from upcoming congressional hearings on Muslim "radicalization" because he is a "former official" of a group implicated in the 1982 massacre of civilian men, women and children at the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in Lebanon.

CAIR said the witness, Walid Phares, is named in an article highlighted on the website of the House Committee on Homeland Security that King chairs and which will hold next month's hearings.

In a letter sent today to Rep. King, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad wrote:

"Mr. Phares is a 'former official with the Lebanese Forces, a Christian militia.' This militia was implicated, by Israel's official Kahan inquiry and other sources, in the 1982 massacre of civilian men, women and children at the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in Lebanon. Regarding the massacre, the French news agency Agence France Presse (AFP) reported that, 'Lebanese militias, notably the Lebanese Forces, went on a killing spree.'

"In 1999, Phares' World Lebanese Organization included among its 'leading members' both 'Col. Sharbel Baraket, former deputy commander of the [South Lebanese Army], and Etienne Sakr, head of the radical Guardians of the Cedars group.'

"Until its closure in 1999, the South Lebanese Army (SLA) controlled the notorious Khiam Prison. Human Rights Watch has stated, 'It is indisputable that systematic torture occurred in Khiam.' The SLA also perpetrated atrocities such as the 1984 massacre in which its members 'fired guns and hurled hand grenades at men rounded up for questioning.'

"Similarly, Sakr's group earned 'a reputation for atrocities' during the Lebanese civil war. Responding to questions about his group's role in the Sabra and Shatila massacres, Sakr said, 'We have the full right to deal with our enemies in Lebanon in the manner we find suitable.'"

After raising concerns about another proposed witness and King's unsubstantiated allegations against the American Muslim community, Awad concluded:

"The threat of violent extremism to our nation is a profoundly serious issue. We agree with you that political correctness should not interfere in any serious investigation of threats to our nation. However, we do believe that reliable witnesses and verifiable information are crucial to properly evaluating the threat.

"We therefore respectfully request that you drop Walid Phares as a witness for your planned hearing and reiterate our request that you meet with national leaders of the American Muslim community to discuss the negative impact your hearings could have on ordinary American Muslims."

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CAIR Calls for Libya No-Fly Zone to Protect Civilians

2011-02-23T07:38:00.000-08:00

President Obama, Congress asked to support U.N. military exclusion zones

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 2/22/11) -- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today called on the Obama administration and Congress to support United Nations military no-fly and naval exclusion zones to protect Libyan civilians from attack by the regime of Muammar Qaddafi.

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) says reports coming out of Libya indicate that air and naval forces are being used to target peaceful protests by civilians seeking freedom from Qaddafi's dictatorial rule.

Hundreds have already been killed by Libyan forces, which have been accused of using fighter planes, attack helicopters and ships to bombard peaceful protesters.

Qaddafi today threatened protesters and vowed to "fight to the last drop of my blood."

In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

"The most important and immediate step the international community can take to save the lives of innocent civilians would be to impose United Nations air and sea military exclusion zones that would prevent the Libyan military from attacking its own people. Military and paramilitary forces of the Qaddafi regime must also be prohibited from operating in urban areas.

"We call on President Obama and members of Congress to use whatever influence they have to ensure that the Libyan people’s quest for freedom is not thwarted through the military crackdown that appears to be underway."

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

Breaking News: CAIR Welcomes Mubarak’s Departure as Step Toward Freedom

2011-02-11T09:21:00.001-08:00

Muslim civil rights group calls for ‘clean break’ from authoritarian rule

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 2/11/11) –- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak as a “first step toward freedom” and said there must now be a clean break with authoritarian rule and a swift transition to an open and transparent civilian government.

In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

“We welcome the departure of President Mubarak as a first step toward freedom in Egypt. We urge our own government and the international community to now support a swift transition to a civilian administration that operates in an open and transparent manner and is representative of all segments of Egypt’s diverse society.

“The struggle for freedom that began in Tunisia and spread throughout the region should be an example to all oppressed people and should help re-focus American policies in the Middle East and the Muslim world on positively engaging civil societies to promote democracy.

“We call on all those whose courageous actions in recent weeks brought about such historic changes to maintain peaceful pressure until all vestiges of past political repression and the denial of human rights are removed.

“Only through a clean break from dictatorship will the Egyptian people be able to begin the process of building a free and prosperous society in which minority rights are protected and the rule of law is maintained.

“Once again, people in the Muslim world are defying the myths and stereotypes about Islam, democracy and the peaceful expression of a universal desire for freedom and justice.”

Awad said CAIR also welcomed President Obama’s statements in support of a “genuine transition” to democracy in Egypt.

“President Obama demonstrated that he is on the right side of history by supporting the will of the Egyptian people,” said Awad.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

Nihad Awad: "Congratulations to the Egyptian People"

2011-02-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

CAIR Welcomes President's Support for U.S. Muslims in State of The Union Address

2011-01-26T15:45:00.000-08:00

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/25/11) –- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) tonight welcomed President Obama's support for the American Muslim community in his State of the Union address before Congress.

In tonight's address, the president said: (The quote below is from the president's prepared text. His actual remarks may differ slightly.)

"And as extremists try to inspire acts of violence within our borders, we are responding with the strength of our communities, with respect for the rule of law, and with the conviction that American Muslims are a part of our American family."

"At a time when American Muslims face the prospect of agenda-driven hearings in Congress targeting their community, we welcome President Obama's decision to emphasize the fact that Muslims are contributing members of our society," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "It was a timely and important reminder to our nation's leaders and the viewing audience that America's strength and security lie in the unity of its people."

SEE: In Congress, Anti-Muslim Bigotry Gaining a Strong Foothold

Earlier today, Awad discussed what the president might say in tonight's State of the Union Address during an appearance on National Public Radio (NPR). He also discussed the need for civility in public discourse.

SEE: Obama Draws Strategy for Remainder of Term (NPR)

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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Nihad Awad: 'MLK is an Example to American Muslims'

2011-01-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

By Nihad Awad
Word Count: 567

[Nihad Awad is national executive director for the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil liberties group. He may be contacted at: nawad@cair.com ]

As American Muslims face the challenge of rising anti-Islam sentiment in American society, we can benefit from the example of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who used the power of truth and justice to peacefully overcome those who promoted fear and its resulting prejudice and intolerance.

Like African-Americans who faced far more severe challenges in the 50s and 60s, American Muslims are now the easy targets of unreasoned hate and suspicion. Like Dr. King, American Muslims must respond to hate with love and understanding.

Dr. King accurately noted that, "Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it." He also said, "Let no man pull you low enough to hate him."

This refusal to let the hatred of others impact one's principles or actions is reflected in the Quran, Islam's revealed text, which
states: "Be steadfast in your devotion to God, bearing witness to the truth in all equity, and never let the hatred of others make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: (for) that is closest to piety." (The Holy Quran, 5:8)

In his letter from a Birmingham jail cell, Dr. King wrote that, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." This statement clearly indicated that the quest for justice is universal and not limited to a particular time or movement, and that everyone must rise to confront the injustices of his or her own time and place.

As Dr. King wrote: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

These words strengthen American Muslims as we face the twin tests brought on by those few who would falsely claim to commit violence in the name of my faith and by those who seek to exploit fear and mistrust to marginalize an entire minority community.

In his most famous speech, Dr. King said:

"I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be
self-evident: that all men are created equal.'. . .

"I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

This hope for equality was also expressed by Islam's Prophet Muhammad, who said in his final sermon: "All mankind is from Adam and Eve. . .a white (person) has no superiority over a black (person), nor does a black have any superiority over a white - except by piety and good action."

American Muslims dream the same dream as Dr. King and all those who struggled during the civil rights movement -- that the promise of justice and equality may be fulfilled for all our nation's children.

Dr. King said it best when he noted, "The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and, therefore, brothers."

His legacy of civility, hope, perseverance, and optimism is best honored through actions that continue to make his dream our reality.

CAIR Offers Condolences on Arizona Shooting Spree

2011-01-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/9/11) –- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today offered condolences to the loved ones of all those killed or injured in yesterday's shooting spree in Tucson, Ariz., that left six people dead and left Democratic congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords fighting for her life with a bullet wound to the brain. Those killed included a federal judge and a 9-year-old girl.

In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

"We offer sincere condolences to the friends, colleagues and family members of all those killed or injured in this brutal and senseless attack. We must come together as a nation to mourn the dead, pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and reject the extreme partisanship and inflammatory political rhetoric that can contribute to such tragedies."

Anas Hlayhel, chairman of CAIR’s Arizona chapter said: "Congresswoman Giffords is a great friend of the Arizona Muslim community. We pray for her full and speedy recovery. Our prayers are also with all who have been hurt by this horrible act of violence."

CAIR Asks Secs. Napolitano, Gates to Drop Muslim-Bashers as Trainers

2010-12-28T12:47:00.001-08:00

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 12/28/2010) –- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization is urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Defense Department (DoD) not to use anti-Muslim extremists to train counterterrorism officials.

That request by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) comes following a Washington Post investigative report on post-9/11 government surveillance, which stated: "Seeking to learn more about Islam and terrorism, some law enforcement agencies have hired as trainers self-described experts whose extremist views on Islam and terrorism are considered inaccurate and counterproductive by the FBI and U.S. intelligence agencies."

SEE: Monitoring America (Wash. Post)
CAIR-MI: Billions Used to Spy on Americans

CAIR made its requests in letters to DHS Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. Last week, the Washington-based Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization sent a similar request to Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.

Video: CAIR Decries Anti-Muslim Police Trainers

The Post's report cited cases of individuals who lack formal training "teaching classes on terrorism and Islam to law enforcement officers all over the country."

SEE: Islam-Bashing Bigots Train Counterterrorism Agents

The Post also noted that the Center for Security Policy, an extremist right-wing think tank – headed by Frank Gaffney Jr. -- that recently published an inflammatory report targeting American Muslims, has spoken to many law enforcement forums.

According to the Post: "Government terrorism experts call the views expressed in the center's book inaccurate and counterproductive."

"It is important that the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security have access to accurate and balanced information about Islam and Muslims," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

Awad added that a coalition of Muslim, Sikh, Asian-American, and other civil liberties groups recently called on FBI Director Robert Mueller to explain why Robert Spencer, a leader of an anti-Islam hate group, was invited to train state and federal law enforcement officers.

SEE: Coalition Letter to Director Mueller

Earlier this year, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) acknowledged that an anti-Islam film should not have been used in training offered to security personnel by that military law enforcement agency.

CAIR contacted NCIS after receiving a report that a three-day NCIS surveillance detection course at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., included the viewing of a propagandistic anti-Islam film.

SEE: CAIR Seeks Probe of Anti-Islam Bias in Military Training

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, or 202-488-8787, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

CAIR Asks DOJ to Review Use of Muslim-Bashers as Terror Trainers

2010-12-20T18:57:00.000-08:00

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 12/20/2010) -- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today called on Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. to review Justice Department policies on the reported use of anti-Muslim extremists to train counterterrorism officials nationwide.

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said an investigative report on post-9/11 government surveillance published in today's Washington Post states: "Seeking to learn more about Islam and terrorism, some law enforcement agencies have hired as trainers self-described experts whose extremist views on Islam and terrorism are considered inaccurate and counterproductive by the FBI and U.S. intelligence agencies."

SEE: Monitoring America (Wash. Post)

The Post's report cites cases of individuals who lack formal training "teaching classes on terrorism and Islam to law enforcement officers all over the country." One such trainer tells all his students that Muslims in the United States "want to impose sharia law here."

Another trainer, a former Muslim who converted to Christianity, told the Post he warns officers that "you need to look at the entire pool of Muslims in a community." He recommends that law enforcement authorities "monitor Muslim student groups and local mosques and, if possible, tap their phones."

The Post also noted that the Center for Security Policy, a right-wing think tank that recently published an inflammatory report targeting American Muslims, has spoken to many law enforcement forums.

According to the Post: "Government terrorism experts call the views expressed in the center's book inaccurate and counterproductive."

"The use of ill-informed and agenda-driven 'experts' will inevitably result in law enforcement practices that are based on misinformation, not on our nation's legitimate security needs," wrote CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad in a letter to Attorney General Holder.

He said the attorney general recently told American Muslims that "law enforcement has an obligation to ensure that members of every religious community enjoy the ability to worship ... free from intimidation, violence or suspicion."

SEE: Holder Calls Terrorism Sting Operations 'Essential' (NY Times)

"Those who view American Muslims as a suspect community should not be training local, state or federal law enforcement agencies," said Awad.

He added that another recent investigative report outlined what the writer termed the "Great Islamophobic Crusade" by a growing network of groups and individuals "obsessively fixated on the supposed spread of Muslim influence in America."

A coalition of Muslim, Sikh, Asian-American, and other civil liberties groups recently called on FBI Director Robert Mueller to explain why Robert Spencer, a leader of an anti-Islam hate group, was invited to train state and federal law enforcement officers.

In its letter to Mueller, the coalition outlined Spencer's bigoted views on Islam and Muslims, including Spencer's reference to Islam's Prophet Muhammad as a "con man."

SEE: Coalition Letter to Director Mueller

Nihad Awad: Judge Bars Certification of Okla. Anti-Islam Amendment

2010-11-29T14:01:00.000-08:00

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/29/2010) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today applauded a strongly-worded ruling by a federal judge in Oklahoma granting an injunction that bars certification of an anti-Islam state ballot measure (SQ 755) passed in the November 2 election.

If it had been certified, SQ 755 would have amended that state's constitution to forbid judges from considering Islamic principles or international law when deciding a case.

Today's ruling by Chief Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange of the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma ordered a preliminary injunction to block the certification of the amendment by the Oklahoma State Board of Elections until a final determination is made based on the merits of a lawsuit against SQ 755 filed by Muneer Awad, executive director of CAIR's Oklahoma chapter (CAIR-OK).

In her ruling in support of Awad's legal arguments, Judge Miles-LaGrange wrote:

"This order addresses issues that go to the very foundation of our country, our (U.S.) Constitution, and particularly, the Bill of Rights. Throughout the course of our country's history, the will of the 'majority' has on occasion conflicted with the constitutional rights of individuals, an occurrence which our founders foresaw and provided for through the Bill of Rights. . .

"Having carefully reviewed the briefs on this issue, and having heard the evidence and arguments presented at the hearing, the Court finds plaintiff has made a strong showing of a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of his claim asserting a violation of the Free Exercise Clause.

"As set forth above, plaintiff has shown that the actual language of the amendment reasonably, and perhaps more reasonably, may be viewed as specifically singling out Sharia Law (plaintiff’s faith) and, thus, is not facially neutral.

"Additionally, as set forth above, the Court finds that plaintiff has shown that there is a reasonable probability that the amendment would prevent plaintiff’s will from being fully probated by a state court in Oklahoma because it incorporates by reference specific elements of the Islamic prophetic traditions.

"Further, plaintiff has presented evidence that there is a reasonable probability that Muslims, including plaintiff, will be unable to bring actions in Oklahoma state courts for violations of the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act and for violations of their rights under the United States Constitution if those violations are based upon their religion.

"Finally, the Court finds that defendants have presented no evidence which would show that the amendment is justified by any compelling interest or is narrowly tailored."

"We applaud today's ruling and welcome the opportunity it offers to demonstrate that Oklahoma's Muslim community simply seeks to enjoy the civil and religious rights guaranteed to all Americans by our Constitution," said Awad.

Awad's lawsuit, based on his own faith-based will, says SQ 755 violates the First Amendment's Establishment Clause that bars government bodies from making laws “respecting the establishment of religion.”

"Today marks another day in American history in which our courts have defended the Constitution against those who would deny its protections to a minority community," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad (no relation to Muneer Awad). "We agree with Judge Miles-LaGrange and the U.S. Supreme Court that 'fundamental rights may not be submitted to vote.'"

Awad added that he hopes the ongoing legal process will expose the campaign of misinformation about Islam targeting Oklahoma voters that was used to promote SQ 755.

He said CAIR plans an education campaign in Oklahoma to offer state residents accurate and balanced information about Islamic beliefs and practices and about the American Muslim community.

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Nihad Awad: CAIR to Launch PSAs Featuring Muslim 9/11 First Responders

2010-08-31T23:35:00.000-07:00

Public service announcements designed to challenge bigotry, Florida Quran burning

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/31/2010) -- On Wednesday, September 1, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) will hold a news conference in Washington, D.C., to launch a national public service announcement (PSA) campaign featuring Muslim 9/11 first responders and designed to challenge the growing anti-Muslim bigotry sparked by opposition to the planned Park51 project in Manhattan.
CAIR's campaign will also include a PSA that features interfaith leaders offering an implicit challenge to the Florida church that plans to burn copies of the Quran, Islam's revealed text, on September 11.

WHAT: CAIR to Launch Muslim 9/11 First Responder PSA Campaign
WHEN: Wednesday, September 1, 2010, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: National Press Club, Zenger Room, 13th Floor, National Press Club Building, 529 14th Street N.W., Washington, D.C.
CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com

"The stepped-up rhetorical and physical attacks on the American Muslim community and Islam require a positive, proactive response that will help counter the almost hysterical campaign of misinformation by a vocal minority of bigots," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "These public service announcements have the potential to reach millions of Americans with a message of religious inclusion and mutual understanding."

SEE: Fire at Tennessee Mosque Site: Part of a 'Perfect Storm'?
Two of the three PSAs, which will be distributed to television stations nationwide and online through social media sites, feature Muslim first responders to the 9/11 terror attacks, with the theme "9/11 happened to us all."
The third PSA features Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders describing the "golden rule" as expressed by their respective faiths –- and ends with the phrase, "We have more in common than we think." That PSA is designed to show the commonalities between faiths and to challenge those who –- like the members of a Florida church who plan to burn Qurans on September 11 –- would divide American along religious lines.

Other national American Muslim organizations will take part in the news conference to outline each group's individual and joint initiatives designed to promote religious freedom, challenge growing anti-Muslim bigotry in American society and to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.
SEE: Muslim Leaders Seek to Unify Community in Wake of Hostility, Mosque Controversy (Washington Post)

The other American Muslim organizations taking part in the news conference include: (in alphabetical order)
• Coordinating Council of Muslim Organizations in the Washington Area (CCMO)
• Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)
• MAS Freedom

Earlier this month, CAIR released an online toolkit designed to help Muslim communities organize proactive local educational and outreach initiatives tied to events such as a "National Day of Unity and Healing" on the upcoming anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

The toolkit, called a "Teachable Moment Community Response Guide," offers guidance, tools and resources to help Muslim communities respond to specific current events such as the end of Ramadan Eid al-Fitr holiday occurring near September 11, the upcoming "Burn a Koran Day" by a church in Florida, the anti-Muslim bigotry generated by the smear campaign against a planned Islamic community center in Manhattan, and the ongoing tension and misunderstanding surrounding the building or expansion of mosques nationwide.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
- END –

CAIR Asks AG Holder to Help Muslim Citizens Barred from U.S.Letter to attorney general outlines cases of citizens not allowed to return home

2010-06-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/16/10) -- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today released a letter it sent to Attorney General Eric Holder calling for the return to the United States of American Muslim citizens barred from returning home from trips overseas and subjected to FBI pressure tactics that are being called a form of "extraordinary rendition."

["Extraordinary rendition" is the illegal practice of handing suspects to foreign governments knowing they will face harsh treatment or even torture during interrogations.]

The New York Times today profiled an American Muslim from Virginia who is currently in legal limbo in Egypt after being subjected to repeated FBI interrogations and placed on a no-fly list.
SEE: American Man in Limbo on No-Fly List (NY Times)In his letter to Holder, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad described the pressure exerted on the Virginia Muslim and on others in similar circumstances:

"His passport was confiscated and FBI agents have subjected him to at least eight interrogations, despite assertion of his constitutional right to remain silent as advised by his attorney. He has been explicitly told that he is on the no-fly list, and he has been pressured to submit to a polygraph test."After a polygraph test on June 8, he was allegedly told by an agent that, based on his answers, he would 'never see the United States or your family again' unless he 'rethought' his answers. Subsequently, he says he has been pressured by the FBI to spy on the American Muslim community when and if he is allowed to return to the United States.

"...He was informed that despite being cleared to travel, he cannot use American or Canadian airspace. When he asked how he could return to the United States without being able to board a plane, he was allegedly informed that "Christopher Columbus did not ride on a plane" to come to America...

"We are concerned that FBI interrogations of American citizens in a condition of forced exile are being conducted without due process and using techniques that amount to a form of 'rendition.'
"The use of apparently illegal pressure tactics flies in the face of President Obama's commitment to abandon unconstitutional policies instituted under the previous administration.

"If the FBI wishes to question American citizens, they should be allowed to return to the United States where they will be able to maintain their constitutional rights free of threats or intimidation."We are also deeply concerned that this apparent targeting of American Muslims not only infringes on constitutional rights, but also sends the message that Muslims are second class citizens and that the due process of law does not apply to them."I therefore respectfully request that your office investigate these incidents and take whatever remedial actions are necessary based on the results of that investigation. I would also request that the U.S. Department of Justice allow all American citizens to return to the United States, and, if there are any reasons to charge or investigate particular individuals, to do so once they are in their country of birth.

"American Muslims are firmly committed to our nation's safety and security. We applaud your efforts to protect America while defending the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity or national origin."

SEE: CAIR Letter to Attorney General Holder
At CAIR's news conference today on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the Virginia Muslim's 19-year-old brother described how he too was stopped by the FBI in Egypt, faced repeated FBI interrogations, was allegedly interrogated by a man claiming to be with the "CIA," and was blindfolded and chained to a wall in an Egyptian police facility for several days. During his detention, he says he was assaulted and subjected to sleep deprivation.
SEE: Statement of Yusuf WehelieAt the news conference, CAIR outlined similar current cases involving American Muslim citizens.
SEE: Cases of American Muslim Barred from Returning to U.S.More U.S. Muslims Facing Problems in Return from Abroad (Wash. Post)
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CAIR rallies Muslims to pray Friday for end to oil spill - The Hill's E2-Wire

2010-06-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

CAIR rallies Muslims to pray Friday for end to oil spill - The Hill's E2-Wire

Nihad Awad: U.S. Muslims to Pray for End to Gulf Oil Spill

2010-06-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

Americans of all faiths asked to join nationwide spiritual efforts

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/9/10) -- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today called on mosques and other houses of worship across the nation to offer prayers for an end to the Gulf oil spill and the environmental disaster it is causing.

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is urging prayer leaders (imams) in the nation's more than 2,000 mosques to use sermons at congregational prayers this Friday to offer special supplications for a speedy end to the oil spill crisis.

Mosque officials are also being asked to encourage community members to volunteer to assist in Gulf Coast relief efforts as part of CAIR's ongoing "Muslims Care" volunteerism initiative.
CAIR is requesting that religious leaders of other faiths offer similar prayers and supplications based on their own traditions.

"Engineers, officials and residents of the Gulf Coast are doing their best to mitigate this environmental disaster and people of faith must also do what they can to seek divine intervention when human efforts fall short," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "Along with the prayers, we ask American Muslims to volunteer their time and talents to assist in the massive clean up effort."

He cited the Quran, Islam's revealed text, which states: "O you who have attained to faith! Seek aid in steadfast patience and prayer: for, behold, God is with those who are patient in adversity." (2:153)

Awad said CAIR chapters around the nation will encourage interfaith partners to join the spiritual effort along with local mosques.
"This nationwide spiritual effort could have the added benefit of strengthening bonds between Americans of all faiths," said Awad.

SEE: Calif. Muslim, Jewish Leaders Discuss Shared Values

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

NIHAD AWAD OFFERS WAYS TO CHALLENGE ISLAMOPHOBIA

2010-06-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Nihad Awad spoke at recent OIC conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/7/10) -- Nihad Awad, national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) recently took part in a conference hosted by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Brazil, at which he discussed ways to reverse the rising level of Islamophobia in Western societies.

The 17th Session of the Committee for the Coordination of Joint Islamic Action, held last week in Sao Paulo, was convened by OIC Secretary General Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and attended by representatives from some 40 nations. Brazilian government officials also took part in the conference.

In a panel discussion on Islamophobia and empowerment of Muslim communities in the West, Awad outlined the primary sources of Islamophobic rhetoric, described how Islamophobes seek to marginalize Muslims and demonize Islam, and focused on education and civic engagement as the most productive ways to challenge growing anti-Islam sentiment.

"Our research indicates that knowledge about Islam and Muslims is at a low level in the West, and that lower levels of knowledge correlate with increased anti-Islam prejudice," said Awad. "Education and engagement are key to challenging the growing phenomenon of Islamophobia."

The OIC is the second largest world inter-governmental organization after the United Nations and serves as the collective voice of the Muslim world. Its membership currently includes 57 Muslim-majority nations.

CAIR: Texas Radio Host Urges Bombing of NY Mosque

2010-05-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

Muslim civil rights group files FCC complaint over incitement to violence

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2010, A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today filed a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) complaint against a radio talk show host in Texas who yesterday advocated bombing a proposed New York City mosque. The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said Houston radio host Michael Berry (KTRH-AM 740) made that call to violence on his May 26 program. In his response to a caller named "Tony" who supported the right to build the planned mosque in New York -- an effort that has come under rhetorical attack by anti-Islam extremists -- Berry said: "No, no, Tony, you can't build a mosque at the site of 9/11. No, you can't. No, you can't. And I'll tell you this -- if you do build a mosque, I hope somebody blows it up. . .I hope the mosque isn't built, and if it is, I hope it's blown up, and I mean that."

Hear Michael Berry's Call to Violence: http://www.cair.com/audio/michaelberry.wav
[Berry has in the past been a guest host for nationally-syndicated broadcasters like Mark Levin, Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly.]

"Calls for acts of violence against houses of worship must never be tolerated or excused," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "We ask the FCC to demonstrate that incitement to violence is never acceptable on our nation's airwaves."

He said Berry's call to violence against an American mosque is of particular concern, coming as it does after a bombing at a mosque in Jacksonville, Fla., earlier this month.
SEE: Lt. Gov. Tours Mosque that was Bombed
http://www.news4jax.com/news/23684961/detail.html
Awad noted that the planned New York mosque is being opposed by a collection of anti-Islam hate-mongers, one of whom recently launched an Islamophobic bus advertisement campaign in that city.
SEE: NYC Woman's Ad Crusade - Say No to Islam (Video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1Y3ybmLWjY

CAIR recently expressed concern about a "growing atmosphere of anti-Muslim sentiment" nationwide.
SEE: Tea Party Leader Says Muslims Worship 'Monkey-God' http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20100519/pl_usnw/DC07826_1

By Nihad Awad: A Muslim Response to 'Draw Muhammad Day'

2010-05-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

Word Count: 932

I will be the first to defend anyone's right to express their opinion, no matter how offensive it may be to me. Our nation has prospered because Americans value and respect diversity.
But freedom of expression does not create an obligation to offend or to show disrespect to the religious beliefs or revered figures of others.
In reaction to the recent controversy over a depiction of Islam's Prophet Muhammad in an episode of Comedy Central's "South Park," a Seattle cartoonist apparently declared May 20th to be "Everybody Draw Muhammad Day."

I say "apparently" because cartoonist Molly Norris -- the creator of the cartoon showing many objects claiming to be a likeness of the prophet -- now says she never intended to launch "Draw Muhammad Day."

On her web site, she has since posted a statement that reads in part: "I did NOT 'declare' May 20 to be 'Everybody Draw Mohammed Day.'...The cartoon-poster, with a fake 'group' behind it, went viral and was taken seriously...The vitriol this 'day' has brought out, of people who only want to draw obscene images, is offensive to the Muslims who did nothing to endanger our right to expression in the first place...I apologize to people of Muslim faith and ask that this 'day' be called off."

Norris even visited a mosque at the invitation of the local Muslim community.
The creator of a Facebook page dedicated to the day also repudiated the "inflammatory posts" it inspired. He said, "I am aghast that so many people are posting deeply offensive pictures of the Prophet...Y'all go ahead if that's your bag, but count me out."

Despite the cartoonist's and the Facebook page creator's seemingly sincere attempts to distance themselves from the fake event, Muslim-bashers and Islamophobes made sure the call to "draw Muhammad" went viral on the Internet. They are hoping to offend Muslims, who are generally sensitive to created images of the Prophet Muhammad or any prophet.

[The majority of Muslims believe visual representations of all prophets are inappropriate in that they distract from God's message and could lead to a kind of idol worship, something forbidden in Islam.]

So how should Muslims and other Americans react to this latest attempt by hate-mongers to exploit the precious right of free speech and turn May 20 into a celebration of degradation and xenophobia?

Before I answer that question, it must first be made clear that American Muslims value freedom of speech and have no desire to inhibit the creative instincts of cartoonists, comedians or anyone else.

The mainstream American Muslim community, including my own organization, has also strongly repudiated the few members of an extremist fringe group who appeared to threaten the creators of "South Park." That group, the origins and makeup of which has been questioned by many Muslims, has absolutely no credibility within the American Muslim community.
I, like many Muslims, was astonished to see media outlets broadcasting the views of a few marginal individuals, while ignoring the hundreds of mosques and Muslim institutions that have representatives who could have offered a mainstream perspective.

Next, one must examine how the Prophet Muhammad himself reacted to personal insults.
Islamic traditions include a number of instances in which the Prophet had the opportunity to retaliate against those who abused him, but refrained from doing so. He said, "You do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you deal with them with forgiveness and kindness."

Even when the prophet was in a position of power, he chose the path of kindness and mercy. When he returned to Mecca after years of exile and personal attacks, he did not take revenge on the people who had reviled him and abused and tortured his followers, but instead offered a general amnesty.

In the Quran, Islam’s revealed text, God states: "Invite (all) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Lord knows best who have strayed from His Path and who receive guidance." (16:125)
Another verse tells the prophet to "show forgiveness, speak for justice and avoid the ignorant." (7:199)

This is the guidance Muslims should follow as they express concern about an insulting depiction of the Prophet Muhammad, or of any other prophet of God.

Instead of reacting negatively to the bigoted call to support "Draw Muhammad Day," American Muslims -- and Muslims worldwide -- should use that and every other day as an opportunity to reach out to people of other faiths and beliefs to build bridges of understanding and respect.
The best and most productive response to bigoted campaigns like "Draw Muhammad Day" is more communication, not less communication -- including not restricting the free flow of ideas with measure like banning Facebook.

Research has shown that anti-Islam prejudice goes down when people interact with ordinary Muslims and have greater knowledge of Islam.

Therefore, the best reaction to those who would mock the Prophet Muhammad (or the religious symbols of any faith) might be a mosque open house for the local interfaith community, a community service activity organized by Muslims and involving people of other faiths, or a newspaper commentary describing the life, legacy and personal character of the prophet, which is the opposite of the calumny some people fabricate about him. This should be of concern to all decent and objective people.

We will all benefit if each of us -- whether Muslim, Jew, Christian, Buddhist, or Hindu -- exhibits the common human decency required by our respective faiths.

[Nihad Awad is national executive director for the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties organization. He may be contacted at: nawad@cair.com ]

CAIR Questions National Silence on Fla. Mosque BombingMuslim civil rights group says bomb attack ignored by officials, national media

2010-05-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/14/10) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today questioned the silence of public officials and national media about a bomb attack Monday on a Florida mosque. CAIR, which on Wednesday offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator, said media coverage has for the most part been restricted to Florida and that there have been no public condemnations of the bombing at the national level. SEE: South Florida Group Offers Reward in Mosque Explosionhttp://tinyurl.com/25byd88 On Monday evening, a bomb exploded outside the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida in Jacksonville. Local, state and national law enforcement authorities are investigating the attack as a possible act of domestic terrorism. SEE: Fla. Mosque Attack Called Terrorismhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEGRSzqT_3oFBI Investigating Mosque Pipe-Bombing as Possible Domestic Terrorismhttp://tinyurl.com/2cmy3cs "It is disturbing that, outside the state of Florida, our fellow citizens are largely unaware of the fact that a potentially-deadly bomb exploded at an American house of worship," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "One can only imagine the public and media response if someone with a Muslim name was the perpetrator of this apparent terror attack." He congratulated local, state and national law enforcement agencies for their work on the case, but said he knows of just one national media outlet -- AOL News -- that reported on the bombing. FBI Finds Pipe Bomb Used in Blast at Fla. Mosque http://tinyurl.com/26hm4p4FBI Has 4 Leads in Mosque Explosionhttp://www.news4jax.com/news/23545690/detail.html Awad attributed the attack to a "growing atmosphere of anti-Muslim sentiment" nationwide, and in particular in Florida. Last week, CAIR called on national Republican leaders to repudiate Islamophobic campaign advertisements for a Florida GOP congressional candidate. SEE: CAIR Asks GOP to Repudiate Racist, Anti-Muslim Adshttp://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20100507/pl_usnw/DC01257_1 Last month, CAIR reported that a Muslim university professor was appointed to the Jacksonville, Fla., Human Rights Commission despite a prolonged smear campaign by the anti-Islam hate group ACT! for America, whose leader says Muslims should not be allowed to hold public office. SEE: Muslim Appointed to Fla. Commission Despite Smearshttp://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20100428/pl_usnw/DC95155_1 The FBI has been asked to investigate allegations that the same hate group has been harassing members of Florida's Muslim community. SEE: Fla. Muslim Asks FBI to Probe Harassment by Hate Grouphttp://tinyurl.com/y94kw76 In Miami, anti-Islam advertisements were initially pulled from buses because of community concerns. The ads were later re-instated following threats of legal action by the sponsors, whose leader Pamela Geller has written on her personal blog that "Hitler and the Nazis were inspired by Islam" and that "lies and decption [sic] to advance Islam is a mandate." On her blog, Geller has also referred to President Obama as a �ball s**ker� and posted a photoshopped image of him urinating on an American flag.

BREAKING NEWS: Pipe Bomb Used in Florida Mosque

2010-05-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

$5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the bomber.

Blasthttp://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2010-05-12/story/pipe-bomb-used-jacksonville-mosque-blastThe Council on American-Islamic Relations announced a $5,000 reward Wednesday afternoon for information that leads to the arrest of the bomber.NAACP Leader: Jacksonville Mosque Attack an Issue of Race, Religionhttp://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=155937&catid=3

Nihad Awad on Al-Jazeera: Florida Mosque Firebombing Receives Little Attention

2010-05-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

An interview on Al Jazeera on May 11 discussing the firebomb attack on a mosque in Jacksonville, Fla.

Nihad Awad: NCIS Tells CAIR Anti-Islam Film Not OK for Training

2010-05-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/11/2010) –- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today said the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) has acknowledged that an anti-Islam film should not have been used in training offered to security personnel by that military law enforcement agency.
"We welcome NCIS's efforts to ensure that our nation's military and security personnel receive training that is free of political or religious agendas and does not provide inaccurate or biased information," said Nihad Awad, national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
In March, Awad contacted NCIS Director Mark D. Clookie after receiving a report that a three-day NCIS surveillance detection course at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., included the viewing of a propagandistic anti-Islam film. SEE: CAIR Seeks Probe of Anti-Islam Bias in Military Traininghttp://tinyurl.com/2awmz5n

In a May 7 letter to Awad, Director Clookie wrote in part:
"[W]e have reviewed whether the video, “Obsession: Radical Islam’s War Against the West” should have been shown to the class. This video is not part of the curriculum for this course and should not have been shown. Please know that NCIS has no tolerance for derogatory comments about any religious, racial, ethnic, or cultural group. . .I am very much aware that respect for religious and cultural values is critically important. NCIS prides itself on its own diversity and on its respect for the religious and cultural values of others." Those interviewed in “Obsession” constitute a veritable who’s who of Muslim-bashers. Speakers include Walid Shoebat, who once told a Missouri newspaper that he sees “many parallels between the Antichrist and Islam" and “Islam is not the religion of God -- Islam is the devil.” (Springfield News-Leader, 9/24/07) Others interviewed in the film include Nonie Darwish, a self-styled “former Moslem" who wrote that "Islam is cruel, anti-women, anti-religious freedom and anti-personal freedom in general,” and Daniel Pipes, who warned a Jewish convention of the "true dangers" posed by "the presence, and increased stature, and affluence, and enfranchisement of American Muslims." (American Jewish Congress, 10/21/2001) Another “Obsession” interviewee, Brigitte Gabriel, told the Australian Jewish News: “Every practising Muslim is a radical Muslim.” She also claimed that “Islamo-fascism is a politically-correct word. . .it's the vehicle for Islam. . .Islam is the problem.” When asked whether Americans should “resist Muslims who want to seek political office in this nation," Gabriel said: "Absolutely. If a Muslim who has -- who is -- a practicing Muslim who believes the word of the Koran to be the word of Allah, who abides by Islam, who goes to mosque and prays every Friday, who prays five times a day -- this practicing Muslim, who believes in the teachings of the Koran, cannot be a loyal citizen to the United States of America." According to one NCIS trainee, the film and the course promoted the theme that "Islam is synonymous with Nazism." The briefing presenter also allegedly used the term "Hajji" as a pejorative in reference to Muslims and stated repeatedly that "Islam is not a religion of peace." In his letter to CAIR, Director Clookie wrote that "both instructors strongly deny making such comments." CAIR has expressed concern that military, security and law enforcement personnel nationwide may be receiving agenda-driven Islamophobic training. Last week, CAIR's Washington state chapter announced that a webinar on security technology for law enforcement personnel co-sponsored by Security Solutions International (SSI) was canceled after two of the presenters withdrew from the event due to community concerns about SSI's anti-Islam bias. SEE: Wash. State Agencies Drop Webinar Over Anti-Islam Biashttp://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20100506/pl_usnw/DC00769_1

Incendiary Device Explodes Outside Florida Mosque

2010-05-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/11/10) –- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported today that an incendiary device exploded Monday evening outside a Jacksonville, Fla., mosque.
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According to a fire department investigator and officials of the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida, worshipers heard a loud noise outside the mosque as preparations were being made for the evening (isha) prayer at about 9:35 p.m. A fire extinguisher was used to put out the blaze caused by the explosion. No injuries were reported.
Local fire investigators have been joined on the scene by representatives of the state fire marshal, ATF and FBI. The incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
SEE: Possible Hate Crime at Jacksonville Mosque (WOKV)
[NOTE: Mosque officials report that an unknown white man in his 40s entered the same facility during prayer time on April 4 of this year shouting, “Stop this blaspheming.” When the person was chased away by worshippers, he reportedly told them, “I will be back.”]
“A possible bias-motivated attack on a house of worship should be of great concern to Americans of all faiths, and particularly to our nation’s religious and political leaders,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. “Those who shape public opinion must begin to speak out against the rising level of anti-Muslim sentiment in our society.”
Last week, CAIR called on national Republican leaders to repudiate Islamophobic campaign advertisements for a Florida GOP congressional candidate.
SEE: CAIR Asks GOP to Repudiate Racist, Anti-Muslim Ads
Last month, CAIR reported that a Muslim university professor was appointed to the Jacksonville, Fla., Human Rights Commission despite a prolonged smear campaign by the anti-Islam hate group ACT! for America, whose leader says Muslims should not be allowed to hold public office.
SEE: Muslim Appointed to Fla. Commission Despite Smears
CAIR is urging American Muslim individuals and institutions to review advice on security procedures contained in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."
SEE: Muslim Community Safety Kit
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
- END -
CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

CAIR CONDEMNS BIAS ATTACK ON CALIF. RABBI'S HOME

2010-05-09T19:49:00.000-07:00

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 5/6/2010) - The San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) today condemned an apparently bias-motivated attack on the Northern California home of Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor of Tikkun Magazine.
According to news reports, posters critical of the rabbi were plastered on his home and property on May 2. The posters alleged the prominent rabbi and peace activist was a "friend of terrorism" and supporter of "Islamofascism." The attack was followed by phone calls to his office claiming the rabbi was "dead."
SEE: Home of Tikkun's Rabbi Lerner Vandalized

"We call on law enforcement authorities to investigate this troubling incident and to apprehend the perpetrators so that they may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," said Zahra Billoo, programs and outreach director for CAIR-SFBA. "There can be no excuse for targeting individuals based on their political views, national origin, race, ethnicity, or religion."
She said it is important that community members and activists review advice on security procedures contained in CAIR's "Muslim Community Safety Kit."
Billoo added: "It is important that law enforcement authorities send the message that this type of effort to silence activism will not be tolerated."

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
CONTACT: CAIR-SFBA Programs and Outreach Director Zahra Billoo, 626-252-0885, E-Mail: zbilloo@cair.com

CAIR Asks GOP to Repudiate Racist, Anti-Muslim Ads

2010-05-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/7/10) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on national Republican leaders to repudiate campaign advertisements for a Florida GOP candidate that advocate racial profiling and promote Islamophobia.

In one ad, Republican candidate for Congress Dan Fanelli points to a white man and asks, "Does this look like a terrorist?" He then turns to a "Middle Eastern" man and asks, "or this?"
Another ad has Fanelli saying, "This is a terrorist," as he presents a "Middle Eastern" man strapped with a "bomb" and wearing what appears to be a dish towel "turban."
Yet another ad shows two Arabic-speaking "terrorists" constructing a bomb while discussing "martyrdom" and "killing infidels." The ad also mocks long-standing due process rights such as Miranda warnings and access to lawyers.
SEE: Fla. Candidate Produces Racist, Anti-Muslim Ads (Video)

"This type of overt racism and contempt for constitutional rights has no place in a multi-cultural and multi-faith state like Florida," said CAIR-Tampa Executive Director Ramzy Kiliç.
"These outrageously racist and Islamophobic political appeals indicate that Mr. Fanelli falsely believes his constituents are as bigoted and intolerant as he obviously is," said CAIR Legislative Director Corey Saylor. "Local, state and national GOP leaders must speak out strongly against such racist and un-American campaign tactics."

Saylor said a number of recent terror incidents -- including the suicide plane attack on an IRS facility in Texas, the shooting of Pentagon guards and the alleged Christian militia plot to kill police officers -- disprove the crude stereotypes promoted by Fanelli's ads.

He said the anti-Islam hostility generated by the ads could result in ordinary Florida Muslims being targets for discrimination or even hate crimes.

Saylor noted that just yesterday, Southern California Christian leaders urged a Republican councilwoman to stop engaging in anti-Muslim rhetoric.
SEE: Christians Urge CA Councilwoman to End Anti-Muslim Rhetoric

Nihad Awad: "We condemn the attack in Times Square"

2010-05-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

CAIR: Muslims Welcome Arrest in Times Square Bomb Plot

View the video of today's news conference

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/4/10) -- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today welcomed the arrest of a suspect in connection with last weekend's failed car bomb attack on Times Square. (View video of today's news conference.)

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), along with several other national and regional Muslim groups,* said the alleged actions of the Pakistani-American suspect are not representative of the nation's Muslim community and urged fellow citizens not to allow the incident to be exploited to advance growing anti-Islam sentiment.

In a statement released this afternoon at a news conference in Washington, D.C., CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said in part: (View video of today's news conference.)

"On behalf of the American Muslim community, we condemn the attack in Times Square and thank all those who reported their suspicions, disarmed the bomb or are participating in the current investigation. We welcome the arrest of a suspect and hope that anyone involved in the attack will be apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

"American Muslims repudiate all acts of terrorism and will continue to work with local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to keep our nation safe and secure. We ask anyone who has information about this attack to contact local police and the FBI. Any person who is afraid to contact the authorities directly should contact CAIR. We will then assist these individuals in contacting relevant authorities.

"In no way, shape or form does this attack represent American Muslims or what they stand for as a faith community. We must also, as a civil rights group, remind everyone that we are a nation of laws and that in our system of justice, every suspect is innocent until proven guilty.

"We urge that our fellow citizens and our nation's leaders reject the inevitable exploitation of this incident by those individuals and groups devoted to demonizing Islam, marginalizing American Muslims and feeding the unfortunately growing Islamophobic sentiment in our society."

Awad said he has asked CAIR's New York and Connecticut offices to work with local Muslim communities to offer all possible assistance to investigators.

He also urged American Muslim individuals and institutions to protect against any possible backlash by reviewing advice on security procedures contained in CAIR's "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

* Other speakers at today's news conference included:

Imam Mahdi Bray, Executive Director, Muslim American Society (MAS) Freedom
Asma Hanif, Chairperson, Council of Muslim Organizations (CCMO) in the Greater Washington, D.C., Area
Alejandro Beutel, Government Liason, Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

- END -

CAIR Video: One Man's Fight Against 'Islamophobia'

2010-04-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

Breaking News: Pentagon Disinvites Anti-Islam Evangelist and Virginia DMV recalls racist license plate

2010-04-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, CAIR received reports from individuals concerned that the racist Virginia truck license plate "14CV88" contained numerical codes often used by racist and neo-Nazi groups.* Additionally, the truck's tailgate has an image of the 9/11 attack in New York City, with text stating, "Everything I ever needed to know about Islam I learned on 9/11."

Good news: yesterday, we learned that the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has recalled the truck's license plate.

Earlier today, we asked the Pentagon to disinvite controversial evangelist Franklin Graham from speaking at the Pentagon on May 6 (the National Day of Prayer). Graham has called Islam a "very evil and wicked religion" and this morning said Muslims are "enslaved by Islam." He told a Washington-area radio station that he is "offended" by Islam. We just learned that the Pentagon has disinvited Franklin Graham. We thank all of you who wrote to the Pentagon.

Visit this link to see my letter on this issue

Nihad Awad: ' The Oklahoma City bombing was a watershed event for our nation and its Muslim population"

2010-04-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

CAIR: Extremism Resurgent 15 Years After Oklahoma City Bombing
Muslims initially blamed for bombing by agenda-driven terror 'experts'

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/19/2010) -- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today marked the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City by calling on all Americans to challenge the recent resurgence of the same anti-government extremism that lead to the bombing masterminded by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols.

[NOTE: CAIR-OK Executive Director Razi Hashmi attended the 15th anniversary memorial today in Oklahoma City. He may be contacted at: 405-248-5853, E-mail: rhashmi@cair.com]

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In a statement, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

"As we commemorate the 15th anniversary of the terror attack in Oklahoma City that killed 168 people and join the victims' families in remembering their loved ones, we must also recognize that the same anti-government extremism that lead to the attack is growing and is unfortunately moving toward the mainstream.

"The Oklahoma City bombing was a watershed event for our nation, and in particular for its American Muslim population. Just as Muslims and Arab-Americans were targeted in the immediate aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, they are being targeted today by the same extremists and 'experts' who sought to blame them for the 1995 attack.

"We must all challenge any form of hate rhetoric, stereotyping and blind extremism that clouds rational thought, creates unnecessary divisions within our society and will inevitably lead to more acts of violence."

He cited the recent politically-motivated terror attack on the IRS facility in Texas, the shooting of guards at the Pentagon and the arrests of anti-government militia members who allegedly planned to kill law enforcement officers to spark an anti-government revolt similar to that envisioned by the Oklahoma City bombers.

Awad also noted the growing collaboration between anti-government extremists and anti-Muslim hate groups nationwide. A report by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), titled "Rage on the Right," noted that "so-called 'Patriot' groups -- militias and other organizations that see the federal government as part of a plot to impose 'one-world government' on liberty-loving Americans -- came roaring back after years out of the limelight."

SEE: CAIR Concerned About Reported Rise in Militias, 'Patriot' Groups
Fla. Muslim Asks FBI to Probe Harassment by Hate Group

While many cautioned against a rush to blame any particular group for the attack, Steven Emerson was one of the so-called "terrorism experts" who initially blamed Muslims for the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building. He told CBS News the bombing was a reflection of "a Middle Eastern trait." (4/19/95) [One American Muslim, Ibrahim Ahmad, was even arrested following the bombing and held for two days before being released without charge. Emerson is viewed by many as one of the nation's leading Islamophobes who has made a career out of promoting anti-Muslim conspiracy theories.]

SEE: Stereotyping Muslims
Steven Emerson's Crusade (Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting)
Smearcasters: Steven Emerson

That and similar unsubstantiated rhetorical links sparked a wave of anti-Muslim hysteria that resulted in almost 250 incidents of harassment, discrimination and actual violence against American Muslims or those perceived to be Middle Eastern.

According to the Daily Oklahoman newspaper: "Sahar Al-Muwsawi, 26, said...she was watching reports of the bombing on television on April 20 when she heard a car's brakes squeal outside her Oklahoma City home. Then she heard objects hitting the window and thought people were shooting at the house. Muwsawi, who was nearly seven months pregnant, grabbed her 2-year-old daughter and another child in the home and took them to the bathroom and locked the door. She said she started bleeding and called her husband, who rushed home and took her to the hospital. A stillborn baby boy was delivered several hours later." (5/20/95) That baby boy was named Salaam, or "peace."

Other incidents ranged from a suspected arson attack on a mosque, to drive-by shootings at Islamic centers and assaults on Muslim students. Many Muslim institutions around America also reported phoned bomb threats, and in one case, a fake bomb was thrown at a Muslim day care facility. Individual Muslims reported a great increase in harassment by co-workers and in public. The harassment led to an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in the Muslim community.

CAIR documented the anti-Muslim backlash following the Oklahoma City bombing in a report called "A Rush to Judgment." That report was the first of CAIR's now-annual reports on the status of American Muslim civil rights.

To view CAIR's annual civil rights reports, go here.

Shortly after the bombing, CAIR's executive director, representing a number of Muslim organizations, met with the governor of Oklahoma and delivered to him checks totaling $21,000 for the Victims and Families Relief Fund.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

- END -

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787 or 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

Nihad Awad on CBS: 'Profiling is ineffective and un American"

2010-04-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6385741n&tag=contentBody;featuredPost-PE

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Nihad Awad: ''Terrorism is terrorism, regardless of the faith, race or ethnicity of the perpetrators or the victims,"

2010-04-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

CAIR: MUSLIMS SEE DOUBLE STANDARD IN 'TERRORIST' LABEL - TOPOmar Sacirbey, Religion News Service,
4/6/10
(RNS) When 19 Muslim men crashed two planes into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, it was widely labeled "Islamic terrorism," even as many Muslims cringed at the term.
So when nine members of a Michigan-based Christian militia, fueled by visions of the apocalypse, laid plans to gun down police officers, is it "Christian terrorism?"
Many Muslims, and others, think it should be...

Recent charges filed against the Michigan-based Hutaree militia are just the latest indication that terrorism is not unique to Islam, they say, and that other religious and ideological groups can commit violence for their cause.
Muslims aren't alone in seeing a double standard in the way terrorism is linked to Islam but not often to Christianity or other religions.

''I understand their frustration," said the Rev. Joel Hunter, a board member of the National Association of Evangelicals and pastor of Northland Church outside Orlando, Fla., who says the Hutaree militia gives the same bad name to Christianity as Osama bin Laden does to Islam.
''I can feel what Muslims feel when they watch those mischaracterizations of their faith, and wanting people to know that that's not what their faith is about."

The Hutaree militia isn't the only group that has issued an ideological call to arms. After Congress passed health care reform in March, at least 10 House Democrats reported receiving death threats, incidents of vandalism, or harassment, presumably from conservative opponents. In February, a Texas man, Joseph Stack III, flew his small airplane into an IRS office building in Austin, killing himself and an office worker.

''Terrorism is terrorism, regardless of the faith, race or ethnicity of the perpetrators [or] the victims," said Nihad Awad, the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, in a statement that called on the U.S. government to condemn the Texas attack as terrorism. "If a Muslim had carried out the IRS attack, it would have surely been labeled an act of terrorism."
Muslims complain that although they and their leaders have condemned terrorism countless times, some of their critics still accuse them of not condemning it strongly enough. Given the recent acts of Christian and conservative terrorism, Muslims leaders said it's now up to Republicans and other conservative figures to condemn those acts.

''It's fair enough to say, 'Where do you stand on this?'" said Pamela Taylor, a Muslim activist in Cincinnati. Added Buetel, from MPAC: "The inconsistency is politically irresponsible."
Despite warnings about right-wing militias and the Hutaree arrests, many Muslims believe conservative figures —especially those who have embraced terminology like "Islamic terrorism" — have remained mostly silent on condemning right-wing violence.

Muslims point to the different labels used to describe Stack, the Texas man who flew his plane into the FBI office, and Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, who's accused of gunning down 13 people at Fort Hood. Both men showed signs of mental instability, and both had political and ideological motivations for their violence, but Muslims say many of the same people who were quick to call Hasan a "Muslim terrorist" preferred to call Stack "mentally ill." (More)

NIHAD AWAD: WE WELCOME WHITE HOUSE SHIFT ON 'ISLAMIC RADICALISM'

2010-04-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

Obama Administration will remove 'loaded' terms from national security document

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/7/10) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed an announcement that the Obama administration will remove 'loaded' terms linking Islam to extremism from an important national security document.
Administration officials said the change would remove terms like "Islamic radicalism" from the National Security Strategy, a document that was created by the previous administration to outline the Bush doctrine of preemptive war.
SEE: Obama Sets New Approach Toward Muslim World (AP)

"We welcome this change in language by the Obama administration as another step toward respectful and effective outreach to Muslims at home and abroad," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "We hope this positive change in language will lead to policies that will deal more effectively with important issues such as peace with justice in the Middle East and withdrawal of our nation's forces from Iraq and Afghanistan."

He recommended that media professionals and commentators adopt similarly neutral and objective language and avoid "loaded" terminology. Awad noted that CAIR has been calling for changes in the use of terminology falsely linking Islam to terrorism for a number of years.
In 2008, the National Counter-Terrorism Center produced a document, called "Words that Work and Words that Don't: A Guide for Counter-Terrorism Communication," which encouraged government agencies and officials to avoid characterizing al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups as "Islamic" or "Muslim," as that could "unintentionally legitimize" their tactics.

SEE: U.S. Officials Urged to Avoid Linking Islam, Jihad with TerrorismSEE ALSO: Amendment to Bill Could Serve Terrorists' Interests

ACTION: 'Ask Republicans to Repudiate Hate Group Using Quran as Toilet Paper'

2010-04-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

Ask Republicans to Repudiate Hate Group Using Quran as Toilet PaperCongresswoman scheduled to speak to anti-Islam hate group whose Fla. representative brags: 'I like desecrating their [Muslims'] holy stuff'

(WASHINGTON, 4/5/2010) -- CAIR today called on American Muslims and other people of conscience to urge Republican leaders to insist that Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC) withdraw her support for an anti-Islam hate group after one of its Florida representatives was exposed bragging in a YouTube video that he desecrated the Quran and urinates in the washing stations Muslims use to perform their ritual ablutions (wudu) for prayer.

The 10-minute YouTube video shows ACT! for America Orlando Coordinator Alan Kornman and another man stating in part: "Their foot baths, I love pissing in them...The Quran makes worthless toilet paper. It just kind of scratches my a** a little bit...To me, I like desecrating their [Muslims'] holy stuff."

[The comments were apparently made last month at an ACT! for America information table set up at the University of Central Florida. The video was produced by ACT! for America and placed on one of the group's YouTube channels.]

It is not clear which of the two men is making these statements, but Kornman is clearly shown bragging about pretending to be a Christian seeking to convert to Islam when visiting a mosque.
SEE: ACT! for America Fla. Rep Brags of Desecrating Quran
In a March 9 open letter, Rep. Myrick wrote that she plans to speak at ACT! for America's June conference in Washington, D.C., and urged support for the group. Myrick wrote in part: "Knowing ACT! for America as I do, and its leadership team beginning with Brigitte Gabriel and Guy Rodgers, I have no doubt that this conference will be a first-class event that you won't want to miss."

Following the publication of that letter, CAIR called on Rep. Myrick to withdraw her support for the hate group. To date, the congresswoman has not repudiated ACT! for America or the anti-Islam hate it promotes.

"Representative Myrick's continued support for this vile hate group dishonors Congress and the state of North Carolina," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "No member of Congress should be associated with or support a group whose representatives and leaders hold such hate-filled and un-American views."

He also called on political and religious leaders in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, Florida and nationwide to repudiate ACT! for America's anti-Islam hate.
Members of the Florida Muslim community also report to CAIR that ACT! for America representatives have allegedly been harassing them at community events and meetings. According to community members, the police had to be called to remove group representatives, reportedly including Alan Kornman, at two recent incidents. Over the weekend, ACT! for America joined other anti-Islam hate groups in protesting a Muslim community event in Virginia.

Awad said ACT! for America leader Brigitte Gabriel claims an American Muslim "cannot be a loyal citizen" and that Islam is the "real enemy." She once told the Australian Jewish News: "Every practicing Muslim is a radical Muslim." She also claimed that "Islamo-fascism is a politically-correct word...it's the vehicle for Islam...Islam is the problem."
When asked whether Americans should "resist Muslims who want to seek political office in this nation," Gabriel said:
"Absolutely. If a Muslim who has -- who is -- a practicing Muslim who believes the word of the Koran to be the word of Allah, who abides by Islam, who goes to mosque and prays every Friday, who prays five times a day -- this practicing Muslim, who believes in the teachings of the Koran, cannot be a loyal citizen to the United States of America."
Brigitte Gabriel stated: "America and the West are doomed to failure in this war unless they stand up and identify the real enemy: Islam."
SEE: Islam's March Against the West
Of Gabriel, the New York Times wrote:
"She has made it her mission – one might say her crusade – to warn that radical Muslims, a term she defines as all practicing Muslims, are bent on taking over the West...Gabriel believes that Muslims cannot serve loyally in the U.S. military, that interfaith dialogue is 'nonsense,' and that the difference between the Arab world and Israel is 'barbarism versus civilization.' The Muslim world will not be satisfied until all infidels are converted or eliminated, she has said."
SEE: A Radical Islamophobe?
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED: (As Always, be firm BUT POLITE.)
1. CONTACT the Republican National Committee to urge that the RNC ask Rep. Myrick to disassociate herself and her party from anti-Islam hate of any kind.
CONTACT:
Chairman Michael SteeleRepublican National Committee 310 First Street, SEWashington, DC 20003E-Mail: cmears@rnchq.org, info@gop.comCopy to: info@cair.comTel: 202.863.8500Fax: 202.863.8820
2. CONTACT the North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) to request that they urge Rep. Myrick to disassociate herself, her party and her state from anti-Islam hate of any kind.CONTACT:
NCGOP Executive Director Russell PeckE-MAIL: rpeck@ncgop.orgNCGOP Communications Director Jordan ShawE-Mail: shaw@ncgop.orgCopy to: info@cair.com

CAIR Applauds Policy Change on Airline Profiling

2010-04-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, April 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization is applauding new intelligence-based airline security measures announced today that will replace the mandatory screening of travelers from 14 countries implemented following the failed Christmas Day bombing in Detroit.
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When the policy targeting nationals from the 14 Muslim-majority nations was announced in January, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations said it amounted to racial and religious "profiling."
SEE: New TSA Screening Rules Amount to Profiling
http://tinyurl.com/yeloczd
The new policy is designed to reduce the number of passengers pulled aside for secondary screening and will not be based on nationality, but will instead focus on travelers who match information gathered about terror suspects, such as physical descriptions, names or travel patterns.
SEE: New Airline Security Measures Announced (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6310E120100402
"We applaud the Obama administration's new passenger screening policy because it does what security experts and civil libertarians have always asked for -- it screens passengers based on actual suspicious behaviors or actions, not on national origin or religion," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "This new policy is an acknowledgment that racial, religious and ethnic profiling is inefficient and ineffective."
Awad said CAIR will seek clarification of the criteria used for secondary screening and will monitor reports of passenger mistreatment submitted by the traveling public.
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

JACKSON REACHES OUT TO METRO DETROIT MUSLIMS

2010-03-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

Jackson encourages about 900 at CAIR event to fight against racism, foreclosureOralandar Brand-Williams, Detroit News, 3/29/10

Dearborn -- Civil rights activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson urged Muslim Americans to partner with his organization not only for civil rights but on economic issues facing Americans, such as foreclosures.

"When we fight against foreclosure ... that's all of our fight," Jackson told a crowd of about 900 people gathered Sunday for a banquet marking the 10th anniversary of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Michigan...

Nihad Awad, CAIR's national executive director, said Muslim-Americans must fight against "Islamaphobia."
"Right now we are being challenged, but we are being challenged because we are about to move to the next stage. Muslim-Americans will be seen and treated as equals. Muslim-Americans will be recognized, respected and celebrated."

CAIR-Michigan Executive Director Dawud Walid renewed his call for U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to open an investigation into the October shooting death of Imam Luqman Abdullah by FBI agents during a raid at a Dearborn warehouse and to revisit the issue of racial profiling.
"Mr. Holder, we are at the front door (asking) to review the latest FBI guidelines," Walid said.

CAIR Asks DOE to Address Racial Tensions in Minn.

2010-03-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

Schools Muslim civil rights group says hate incidents create hostile learning environment, threaten safety of students

(ST. PAUL, MN, 3/24/10) - The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today called on the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) to investigate and address reports of growing racial and religious tensions in Minnesota public schools.

CAIR-MN's request for DOE intervention came following a series of anti-Muslim incidents reported to the civil rights organization by students across the state. Muslim students have allegedly been called "towel head" and other religious and racial slurs and faced harassment for their religious beliefs by other students and teachers. Some alleged incidents include:
Two students approached a group of Muslim high school girls and asked them if they would like some pork bacon. When the girls informed them that their religion prohibited pork, the students made disparaging remarks about their religion. A week later, the two students brought pork bacon to school and shoved it in the faces of Muslim students and chased after them when they tried to get away.
Students wrote racist essays for their English class and posted them on a class blog to harass Muslim students.
A bus driver left Muslim students waiting at a bus stop on several occasions, driving past them when she saw them and telling them: "Catch me if you can."
A World History teacher made disparaging comments about Islam and Muslims in class.
A teacher, on several occasions, handed students a can of air freshener and instructed them to spray the room when Muslim students walked into class.
SEE: Somali Population, Cultural Tension Rising in St. CloudSEE ALSO: Tensions Mount at OHS
Yesterday, members of Minnesota's Islamic community gathered at the State Capitol to discuss the civil and religious rights of Muslim students with legislators.

Students reported to CAIR-MN that school administrators have failed to effectively respond to the incidents and the harassing treatment often becomes worse after they report it. Students also reported that those who are targeted the most are Somali students with limited English proficiency because the perpetrators think that these students will be unable to communicate the incidents to administrators.

"It is clear that racial and religious tensions in the community have manifested in the schools and need to be addressed immediately," said CAIR-MN Assistant Director of Civil Rights Zahra Aljabri. "Students of all faiths and backgrounds in Minnesota must have a learning environment free of racism and intolerance."

Aljabri said the hostile school environment is affecting students academically and emotionally. She noted that U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recently pledged that his department is going to take a more active role in enforcing civil rights for students nationwide.
CAIR-MN is asking the U.S. Department of Education to investigate these incidents; aggressively implement racial and religious harassment policies and procedures; institute a zero-tolerance discrimination policy; discipline students, faculty and administrators who engage in bias-motivated behaviors; and provide peer mediation and diversity trainings to faculty and staff to create a safe community for learning and growing in Minnesota.

CAIR offers a booklet, called "An Educator's Guide to Islamic Religious Practices," designed to help school officials provide a positive learning environment for students of all faiths.

Nihad Awad: 'U.S. Military should investigate training comparing Islam to Nazism'

2010-03-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

Training film features Islamophobes, Islam compared to Nazism, 'Hajji' used as pejorative

WASHINGTON, March 23 A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today said it has asked the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) to investigate a report of anti-Islam bias in the training offered to security personnel by that military law enforcement agency.

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The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) received a report that a three-day NCIS surveillance detection course at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., included the viewing of a propagandistic anti-Islam film that features notorious Islamophobes such as Daniel Pipes, Nonie Darwish and Walid Shoebat.

[Shoebat told a Missouri newspaper that he sees "many parallels between the Antichrist and Islam" and "Islam is not the religion of God -- Islam is the devil." (Springfield News-Leader, 9/24/07) Darwish, a self-styled "former Moslem," said "Islam is cruel, anti-women, anti-religious freedom and anti-personal freedom in general." Daniel Pipes once warned a Jewish convention of the "true dangers" posed by "the presence, and increased stature, and affluence, and enfranchisement of American Muslims." (American Jewish Congress, 10/21/2001) Pipes has also been a vocal supporter of the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.]
According to the trainee, the film and the course promoted the theme that "Islam is synonymous with Nazism." The briefing presenter also allegedly used the term "Hajji" as a pejorative in reference to Muslims and stated repeatedly that "Islam is not a religion of peace."

In his letter to NCIS Director Mark D. Clookie, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad wrote in part:
"NCIS has an important role to play in securing our nation and can best carry out that role when its actions are based on accurate and balanced information, not on religious or ethnic stereotyping."

Awad requested an investigation "to ensure that our nation's security personnel are receiving training that is free of political or religious agendas."

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Nihad Awad: "GOP leaders should repudiate racist taunts"

2010-03-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/21/10) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on Republican leaders to repudiate racist taunts by tea party opponents of health care reform targeting a Muslim congressman and another African-American lawmaker on Capitol Hill yesterday.
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Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN), one of two Muslims in Congress, reported that protesters chanted "the N-word, the N-word, 15 times" as he left the Cannon House Office Building with Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), a leader of the civil rights movement. Protesters also spat on and shouted bigoted slurs at other lawmakers.
SEE: Raucous, Ugly Buildup to House Health Care Vote (AP)Black Members: Tea Partiers Used N-Word

"Vigorous debate on issues of importance to our nation is essential, but racist abuse like that used by the tea party protesters must be repudiated by all responsible leaders, no matter their political party," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "We call on all those Republican leaders who addressed the protesters to take a public stand against such racist tactics."

He said our nation must not let a vocal and bigoted minority "turn back the clock" on the Civil Rights Movement.
[UPDATE: Today, Michael Steele, the Republican National Committee's first African-American chairman, called the incidents "reprehensible."]

Awad noted that CAIR recently expressed concern about the reported rise in the number of anti-government and anti-immigrant extremist groups during the past year.
SEE: CAIR Concerned About Reported Rise in Militias, 'Patriot' Groups

NIHAD AWAD: ' I AM TROUBLED BY RACIST ANNOUNCEMENT AT NJ WAL-MART'

2010-03-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

Unknown man said 'all black people leave the store now' over store PA

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/18/10) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today voiced concern over a recent incident at a southern New Jersey Wal-Mart in which an unknown person made a racist announcement over the store's public-address system.Wal-Mart officials are reviewing security tapes to determine who used the store's public-address system on Sunday to say: "Attention Wal-Mart customers: All black people leave the store now."SEE: Wal-Mart Probing Racist Store Announcement (AP)

"We are deeply troubled by this example of the intolerance and overt racism that unfortunately still exists in our society," said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad. "We understand Wal-Mart is conducting a full investigation of the incident. If it was an employee who made the announcement, we expect that person will be fired to make it clear that such bigotry is unacceptable in America."

Awad noted that CAIR has worked successfully with Wal-Mart in the past to resolve incidents of bias at some of its stores. In July 2009, after CAIR's mediation, a Wal-Mart store in Minnesota agreed to accommodate an employee's right to pray in the workplace on scheduled breaks. In February 2008, a Wal-Mart regional manager apologized to a Muslim customer who had been mocked by a cashier because of her face veil.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Myrick Letter to Anti-Islam Hate Group

2010-03-16T13:47:00.001-07:00

Nihad Awad: Let's help repair Malaysian Churches

2010-01-12T13:42:00.000-08:00

“Muslims in America, Malaysia and worldwide must help protect all houses of worship, and thereby show the true spirit of Islam,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. “American Muslims, as a symbol of their commitment to interfaith understanding and peaceful coexistence, will take the lead in helping to restore the damaged churches.”

Awad added: “Muslims cannot remain silent in the face of attacks on any houses of worship. Our community needs to take serious and prompt measures to reclaim the moral high ground established by Islamic principles.”

He noted that CAIR has taken action to defend the American Muslim community from similar hate crimes, including acts of vandalism at mosques nationwide.

SEE: CAIR Asks President to Address Rise in Anti-Islam Hate

Awad cited verses from the Quran and Islamic traditions mandating both respect for other faiths and the sanctity of houses of worship.

According to the Quran, Muslims are asked to maintain good relations with people of other faiths and to engage in constructive dialogue. “And dispute not with the People of the Book (Christians and Jews) except with means better (than mere disputation)…but say, 'We believe in the Revelation that has come down to us and in that which came down to you.’” (29:46)

Awad said Muslims are proud of the story of the Caliph Umar who received the keys to Jerusalem from the Christian patriarch Sophronius in the 7th century. When the Caliph was asked to pray in a Jerusalem church, he declined saying he did not want to provide a pretext for Muslims to appropriate a Christian holy site.

He noted that the early Muslims sought refuge with the Christian ruler of Abyssinia and that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) drafted a constitution for the city of Medinah in which all groups were granted equal rights and freedom of religion.

In 2006, CAIR asked for similar donations to help repair Palestinian churches damaged following remarks by Pope Benedict XVI perceived as critical of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED:

Demonstrate your desire to reclaim Islamic values and to promote the true spirit of Islam by protecting all houses of worship.

Go to www.cair.com to donate securely to the "CAIR Spirit of Islam Fund." One hundred percent of the donations will be turned over to the Malaysian embassy for use in repairing the churches.

Checks may be made payable to "CAIR" and mailed to:

CAIR Spirit of Islam Fund
453 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, D.C. 20003

(Put "Spirit of Islam Fund" in the memo area of the check.)

Nihad Awad on C-span reacting to Obama's statement about Muslims

2010-01-10T00:11:00.000-08:00

Nihad Awad discusses the issues surrounding the Muslim community and the attempted bombing of Northwest Flight 253. Awad reacted to a video clip of President Obama's statement about Muslims made on Thursday, January 7, 2010. Mr. Awad talked about racial profiling and better security procedures at airports.

Airport Profiling Hands a Victory to Terrorists

2010-01-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

By Nihad Awad
WORD COUNT: 962

(Nihad Awad is national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), America's largest Muslim civil rights organization. He may be contacted at: nawad@cair.com.)

Politicians and pundits ranging from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich to New York’s Rep. Peter King are calling for racial and religious profiling at our nation’s airports in the wake of the failed Christmas Day attack in Detroit.

A conservative radio host told Fox News "there should be a separate [airport security] line to scrutinize anybody with the name 'Abdul' or 'Ahmed' or 'Mohammad.’”

New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind said he intends to re-introduce a bill that would allow police to use racial profiling to target “young Muslims of Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian background.”

Retired Lieutenant General Thomas McInerney took his call for profiling even further. On Fox News, he said: “If you are an 18 to 28-year-old Muslim man, then you should be strip searched.”

This would be a dream come true for terrorists.

Many arguments can be made against these renewed calls to institute profiling.

There is the moral and ethical argument that profiling violates an individual’s human rights.

There is the argument that profiling is un-American that it violates the very principles that our nation was founded on and that we all hold dear.

There is the argument that profiling is both ineffective and counterproductive.

In response to calls for profiling following the Christmas Day incident, former Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff told an interviewer for National Public Radio: “I'm going to argue that this case illustrates the danger and the foolishness of profiling…I think it's not only problematic from a civil rights' standpoint, but frankly, I think it winds up not being terribly effective.”

Even the Bush administration Justice Department stated in a 2003 advisory report: “Racial profiling in law enforcement is not merely wrong, but also ineffective. Race-based assumptions in law enforcement perpetuate negative racial stereotypes that are harmful to our rich and diverse democracy, and materially impair our efforts to maintain a fair and just society.”

The use of racial and religious profiling can divert precious law enforcement resources from investigations of individuals who have been linked to terrorist activity by specific and credible evidence. It ignores the possibility that someone who does not fit the profile may be engaged in terrorism, or may be an unwitting accomplice to terrorism.

In 1995, after bombing the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in Oklahoma City, Timothy McVeigh was able to flee while officers operated on the false theory that “Arab terrorists” had committed the attack.

An editorial published by the San Diego Union-Tribune stated in part:

“But aside from the moral objections, as we’ve seen, profiling by characteristic isn’t very efficient. The minute U.S. officials put out the word that they’re not scrutinizing people with blond hair and blue eyes is the minute that al-Qaida starts recruiting people with blond hair and blue eyes. Would looking for Arab-Americans have turned up a passenger that resembled ‘American Taliban’ fighter John Walker Lindh? Would applying extra scrutiny to people with foreign-sounding names have kept would-be shoe bomber Richard Reid off a plane?”

There is also the “creepiness” argument. How would airport security personnel determine who is and who is not Muslim? Do we really want to have each passenger asked about their religious beliefs? And what if the passenger’s last name is “Muhammad,” but they say they are not Muslim? Which line will they be sent to then? What about converts to Islam whose name and skin color do not “give away” their status as Muslims?

We often hear the “Swedish grandmother” argument from those who promote profiling that we should focus security efforts on the real problem, read “Muslims,” rather than on what is essentially a coded term for “white people.”

Then there is the constitutional argument.

The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution guarantees the right to be safe from unreasonable search. In addition, the Fourteenth Amendment requires that all citizens be treated equally under the law.

The U.S. Supreme Court has held that it is unconstitutional for a representative of the government to make decisions based on race.

But of all the arguments against racial and religious profiling at airports, one stands head and shoulders above the others - the argument that profiling hands an underserved victory to the terrorists.

Attacks such as the failed plot to bomb the airliner on Christmas Day cannot possibly have a real impact on our nation in military terms. These attacks are a form of psychological warfare designed to impact public opinion the very definition of terrorism and make us do things we would normally reject, such as profiling.

Profiling sends the message to millions of Muslim travelers that it is their faith, not terrorism, that is the problem. This is precisely the talking point put forward by the religious extremists of Al-Qaeda who say the West is at war with Islam and all Muslims, and that everyone had better choose sides.

Religious profiling is a recruiting and public relations tool for terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda. Let’s not do Al-Qaeda’s work for them.

If not profiling, what action can we take to boost airline safety and security?

First look at behavior, not at faith or skin color. Then spend what it takes to obtain more bomb-sniffing dogs, to install more sophisticated bomb-detection equipment and to train security personnel in identifying the behavior of real terror suspects.

Along with boosting training and detection equipment, clean up the inaccurate terror watch lists that have ballooned in the post-9/11 era and work the kinks out of an intelligence system that would let a person get on a plane to America even after his own father had notified security services about his disturbing behavior.

Using profiling may make some people feel safer, but it is a false sense of security that ultimately harms our nation and the principles on which it was founded.

American Muslims Must Balance Caution with Hope

2009-12-29T15:08:00.000-08:00

By Nihad Awad

As American Muslims hope for better civil liberties protections, increased inclusion in society and improved relations with the Islamic world in the next decade, that hope must be balanced with the reality that Muslims and Islam are often viewed with suspicion in the post-9/11 era.

American Muslims should continue to demonstrate to their fellow citizens that Islam is a vital and productive part of our nation’s social and religious fabric.

This can be accomplished by taking our dinner table conversations about healthcare, education and the economy into the public sphere. Our faith preaches charitable giving. That value can become manifest by joining with like-minded partners to end hunger in America and around the world.

Our community should partner with the new administration to help project the best of our nation’s universal values of freedom and justice to the world. This includes continuing to speak out forcefully against those who falsely claim religious justification for un-Islamic acts.

Our youth should focus on entering the public service sector, whether working on Capitol Hill, in the media or running free clinics.

Islamophobia must be confronted. An anti-Muslim fear industry has flourished in America in recent years. All Americans must repudiate these hate-mongers with the same determination that won America’s women the right to vote, challenged McCarthyism and ended racial segregation.

The rights enjoyed in our nation are part of what creates long lines of hopeful immigrants around our embassies worldwide. Some post-9/11 laws have eroded these rights. Muslims must not be shy or hesitant about protecting civil liberties.

These actions, which are designed to promote common values and prevent conflicts, are certain to help move American Muslims from being a suspect community to one that is celebrated for its positive contributions.

Nihad Awad's letter to President Obama on Islamophobia

2009-12-23T15:28:00.000-08:00

December 23, 2009

President Barack H. Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

SUBJECT: Call to Address the Issue of Growing Anti-Islam Hate in America

Dear Mr. President:

As the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights organization, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is concerned about the alarming level of anti-Islam hate in our nation.

We respectfully urge you to address this important issue and to call on American religious and political leaders to speak out in support of tolerance and mutual understanding.

In making that request, I note recent incidents in Florida in which a cross with the message “Christian nation, Christian community” was planted at the site of a planned mosque and an anti-Islam Christmas display was set up by a local church.

Other recent incidents included:

* anti-Islam brochures distributed in the parking lot of a Washington state Islamic school
* hate-filled fliers posted in a Minnesota Somali community
* an attack on a Sikh youth in Texas who was mistaken for a Muslim
* the painting of “Go Home Sand N**ger” on an Idaho Muslim’s truck
* the harassment of a Muslim bank customer in Illinois because of her Islamic head scarf
* an attack on another Illinois Muslim after the Fort Hood shootings
* a call by far-right members of the U.S. House of Representatives to investigate Muslim interns on Capitol Hill as “spies”
* the ethnic intimidation of an Ohio Muslim who found a noose and a toy camel on his door
* a Colorado sheriff who called the U.S. Marines “Travel agents to Allah"
* the failure of Virginia’s governor-elect to repudiate
* anti-Islam statements by one of his top supporters
* a defaced Quran that was left at a Michigan mosque
* a spate of vandalism incidents at mosques nationwide anti-Islam remarks by Christian evangelist Franklin Graham
* the use of anti-Islam rhetoric in the platform of a Minnesota congressional candidate

A recent poll also showed that two-thirds of Protestant pastors consider Islam “dangerous.”

You yourself have been targeted by anti-Muslim hate, despite the fact that you are Christian. A Colorado car dealer recently put up a billboard depicting you as a turban-wearing militant.

We acknowledge recent remarks to a Muslim and Arab-American gathering in Michigan by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder in which he said the U.S. Department of Justice will return to its "traditional" role of ensuring civil rights.

We also acknowledge the fact that you signed a spending measure that will give the Justice Department’s civil rights division 102 new staff members, many of whom will be assigned to hate-crimes investigations.

Thank you for your kind attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,

Nihad Awad
CAIR National Executive Director

Both Thanksgiving and Eid al-Adha Focus on Family, Sharing

2009-11-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

By Nihad Awad
Nov. 24, 2009

Many American Muslims will eat their turkey a bit late in the day this year because Thanksgiving falls on the same day some Muslims fast until sunset in observance of the Day of Arafah, the spiritual peak of the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca.

Arafah is a hill called "Mount of Mercy" and its surrounding empty plain near Mecca. On this climax of the Hajj season millions of pilgrims of all races and backgrounds, including thousands of Americans, will assemble for supplication to God. This is a physical representation of universal equality and the unity of humankind.

American Muslims have a double blessing this year. They are marking both events, Thanksgiving and the end of Hajj, with activities that stress sharing with others and the importance of family to people of all faiths.

The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called on Muslims in that state to volunteer at a soup kitchen as a way to celebrate Thanksgiving and the end of the Hajj. CAIR’s Cincinnati chapter is giving food packages, including turkeys, to needy families.

Thanksgiving week, the Muslims Against Hunger Project is organizing special "Muslims Serve" days to recall the ultimate sacrifice the Prophet Abraham was prepared to make and to offer thanks for God's many blessings.

Hajj and Thanksgiving were also combined in a New Jersey food giveaway for the needy on Sunday in Plainfield, N.J., at the Center of Islamic Enlightenment.

In Mississippi, scores of Muslim volunteers gave up their free time to feed the hungry and homeless in areas particularly hard hit by the national recession.

Muslim university students in North Carolina this year donated food to groups that feed the hungry. While in California, Muslims joined Jews, Buddhists, Baha'is, and Catholics at an interfaith Thanksgiving celebration in a synagogue.Muslims in Iowa, along with representatives of nine other faith traditions, attended the annual Inter-Religious Council Thanksgiving Prayer Service in Cedar Rapids.

In Georgia, Christians, Muslims and Jews came together to share a pre-Thanksgiving dinner. Proceeds from the dinner went to a local food bank.

On Friday, Muslims in America and worldwide will celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha, or "festival of the sacrifice." "Eid" also commemorates the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael at God's command. The holiday is celebrated with prayers, gifts for children, distribution of meat to the needy, and social gatherings.You may hear the greeting “Eid Mubarak,” or “have a blessed holiday.”

And you know Thanksgiving and Eid al-Adha are now sharing the same spiritual and social space when Best Buy, for the first time, puts a "Happy Eid Al-Adha" in its "Black Friday" newspaper insert.

As with Thanksgiving, Eid al-Adha is a time when everyone counts their blessings and offers thanks for friends and family, even if circumstances may not be the best in any particular year.

"The first to be summoned to paradise on the Day of Resurrection will be those who praise God in prosperity and adversity," said the Prophet Muhammad.

Just as Thanksgiving is a time of family and friends, so too is Eid al-Adha. The Prophet Muhammad told the early Muslims, "[T]hey are days of [eating] and rejoicing with one's family."

The Quran, Islam's revealed text, urges those who reach physical and spiritual maturity to pray: "My Lord! Grant me the grace that I may thank you for the favors that You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do good deeds that will please You."

So this year, despite a weak but recovering economy and other domestic and international troubles, let us all count our blessings and demonstrate true thankfulness by sharing whatever we have with those in need.

(Nihad Awad is national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), America's largest Muslim civil rights organization. He may be contacted at: nawad@cair.com.)

Nihad Awad: Fort Hood Shooting 'Sensless killing'

2009-11-05T17:56:00.000-08:00

U.S. Muslim Group Urges Calm After Fort Hood Shootings

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/5/09) At a news conference tonight on Capitol Hill, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

“We reiterate the American Muslim community’s condemnation of this cowardly attack. Right now, we call on all Americans to assist those who are responding to this atrocity. We must ensure that the wounded are treated and the families of those who were murdered have an opportunity to mourn.

“No political or religious ideology could ever justify or excuse such wanton and indiscriminate violence. The attack was particularly heinous in that it targeted our nation’s all-volunteer army that includes thousands of Muslims in all services. We again offer our thoughts and prayers for the victims and sincere condolences for the families of those killed or injured.

“The motive of the attacker is not yet known. We urge all Americans to remain calm in reaction to this tragic event and to demonstrate once again what is best about America –- our nation’s ability to remain unified even in times of crisis. We urge national political and religious leaders and media professionals to set a tone of calm and unity.

“Unfortunately, based on past experience, we also urge American Muslims, and those who may be perceived to be Muslim, to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves, their families and their religious institutions from possible backlash.

“We ask that individuals and institutions review advice on security procedures contained in CAIR’s ‘Muslim Community Safety Kit,’ which is available online at www.cair.com.”

SEE: CAIR Muslim Community Safety Kit
http://www.cair.com/ActionCenter/CommunityToolKit.aspx

Along with innumerable condemnations of terror, CAIR has in the past launched an online anti-terror petition drive called “Not in the Name of Islam,” initiated a television public service announcement (PSA) campaign against religious extremism and coordinated a “fatwa,” or Islamic religious ruling, against terrorism and extremism.

SEE: CAIR’s Anti-Terrorism Campaigns
http://www.cair.com/AmericanMuslims/AntiTerrorism.aspx

- END -

HBO Asked to Apologize for ‘Curb’ Episode Mocking Jesus

2009-11-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/29/09) - A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today called on HBO to apologize for an episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” in which the main character splattered urine on a painting of Jesus.

SEE: Larry David Blasted for 'Curb' Episode Where He Urinates on Jesus Painting

In a letter to HBO Chairman and CEO Bill Nelson, Nihad Awad, national executive director of the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) wrote:

“It is beyond tasteless to insult the religious sensibilities of billions of people in America and around the world with such a cheap and vulgar publicity stunt. Jesus, peace be upon him, is loved and revered by both Christians and Muslims. Muslims view him as one of God's greatest messengers to mankind.

“The Quran, Islam’s revealed text, states: ‘Behold! The angels said: ‘O Mary! God gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and in (the company of) those nearest to God.’’ (The Holy Quran, 3:45)

“The Prophet Muhammad said: ‘Both in this world and in the hereafter, I am the nearest of all people to Jesus, the son of Mary. The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one.’

“We understand the drive for ratings, but no one benefits from such a crude attempt to boost the network’s bottom line by manufacturing a religious controversy. HBO should apologize.”

Awad added that American Muslim television viewers contacted CAIR to express their concerns about the HBO episode.

Islamophobia Machine Targets American Muslims

2009-10-29T13:58:00.000-07:00

Nihad Awad
WORD COUNT: 1187

“Are you a believer?” asked the participant in a Capitol Hill gathering of Islamophobes and Muslim-bashers who -- according to conference materials -- were seeking to promote “freedom of speech and religion.”

When CAIR’s intern answered, “Yes, of course,” the conference participant -- whose card indicated he works for “Encountering Islam Christian Ministry” and obviously thinking “believer” meant something other than Muslim -- replied, “Good, because we want to cut their [Muslims’] necks off.”

Just one hour later, the officially-registered intern was asked to leave the conference, which was held in the U.S. Congressional Auditorium, because “some of the panel members do not feel comfortable with you being here.” So much for freedom of speech and religion.

Before being ejected, CAIR’s intern heard one audience member seek advice from a panelist as to how American Muslim rights could be “curtailed,” given the fact that “unfortunately” Islam itself cannot be outlawed.

But not to worry - one of the speakers at the Washington, D.C., conference does advocate outlawing Islam in America. That speaker, David Yerushalmi, works for one of the other speakers at the conference, Frank Gaffney Jr.

Other panelists included anti-Islam hate blogger Pam Geller, who has appeared at Muslim-bashing events with Gaffney and with another conference speaker, Florida House of Representatives Majority Leader Adam Hasner. Hasner recently hosted an appearance by extremist anti-Islam Dutch politician Geert “ban the Quran” Wilders in Florida, which was co-hosted by the hate blogger and promoted by another conference panelist, Tom Trento of the Florida Security Council.

Does all this make sense? It does if you understand that there is an “Islamophobia Machine” made up of extremists of all stripes who coordinate and cooperate in a relentless effort to demonize Islam and deprive American Muslims of their civil rights.

The list of attendees at CAIR’s recent sold-out 15th annual banquet in Arlington, Va., further illustrates how the Islamophobia machine works.

Two of those who purchased tickets for the banquet were notorious Islamophobes with histories of Muslim-bashing and associations with hate groups.

Among the 750 Muslim community members and activists, interfaith leaders and diplomats from Muslim-majority nations who heard addresses by speakers such as Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rabbi Steven B. Jacobs of Progressive Faith Foundation were the two “moles” a hijab-clad representative of an anti-Islam group and a “counterterrorism consultant” who claims Thomas Jefferson only owned a Quran “so that he could know his enemy, so he could confront them, know them, kill them.”

The consultant, John Cosgrove, made that claim weeks earlier as he protested the “Day of Islamic Unity,” during which thousands of American Muslims gathered for prayer on Capitol Hill. Cosgrove is head of the Virginia chapter of the anti-Muslim hate group called the United American Committee (UAC). He was one of the main opponents of the expansion of an Islamic school in Virginia.

In 2007, the head of the UAC called Islam a “cult” and said terrorists are “honest” Muslims. He also stated that anyone who believes Muslims are not the “enemy” is “incredibly ignorant or a simple-minded fool.”

SEE: GOP Women's Group Promotes Anti-Muslim Hate

Hijab-wearing mole number two, Christine Brim, is senior vice president for policy and program management at the Center for Security Policy. She was asked to leave the event after being observed surreptitiously recording the banquet speeches, despite earlier being given legal notice that such recordings were prohibited. Instead of speaking to security personnel, Brim immediately fled to the hotel’s exit. (CAIR’s dinner was an open event with media present. Unauthorized recordings are prohibited only to prevent abuse by those who have, in the past, sought to smear the speakers by distorting their words.)

Brim, along with Cosgrove, was an opponent of the Islamic school in Virginia.

Her group and its President Frank Gaffney Jr. actively promote the racist and anti-Islam ideology of David Yerushalmi, the center’s general counsel, who has advocated outlawing the practice of Islam in America and permanently closing all U.S. mosques.

SEE: Center for Security Policy Staff

In a 2007 commentary headlined “War Manifesto -- The War Against Islam,” Yerushalmi called for a “war against Islam and all Muslim faithful.” He wrote in part:

“On the so-called Global War on Terrorism, GWOT, we have been quite clear along with a few other resolute souls. This should be a WAR AGAINST ISLAM and all Muslim faithful…At a practical level, this means that Shari’a and Islamic law are immediately outlawed. Any Moslem in America who adopts historical and traditional Shari’a will be subject to deportation. Mosques which adhere to Islamic law will be shut down permanently. No self-described or practicing Muslim, irrespective of his or her declarations to the contrary, will be allowed to immigrate to this country…”

Another such “manifesto” called for making “adherence to Islam” punishable by a 20-year prison term.

In a 2006 article for The American Spectator, Yerushalmi wrote: "Muslim civilization is at war with Judeo-Christian civilization…The Muslim peoples, those committed to Islam as we know it today, are our enemies."

In another article, Yerushalmi wrote: “Instead of a promise of victory, Sura 24:52 must be made ashes in the mouths of Muslims. A seemingly unending air control campaign over enemy territory is the way to continually remind the Muslims of their subordinate status and the impotence of Allah without becoming mired in the quagmire of counterinsurgency.”

He also wrote that he “has staked out an approach which is to Know the Enemy by declaring the enemy historical, traditional, and authoritative Islam.”

Yerushalmi’s website once contained the following white supremacist language as part of its mission statement:

“America was the handiwork of faithful Christians, mostly men, and almost entirely white, who ventured from Europe to create a nation in their image of a country existing as free men under G-d.”

Other articles on his website made racist statements such as: “There is a reason the founding fathers did not give women or black slaves the right to vote,” and "Race matters and affects your intelligence. Jews are the smartest white people around. Orientals smarter than Whites. Latinos next. Then Blacks.”

Another article stated:

“Is there something unique about the Black American (or, at least the Black New Yorker) that leads him to murder so disproportionately and to most often kill and victimize his own?”

Yerushalmi is also the former employer of Dave Gaubatz, his one-time “Director of Intelligence and Counter-terrorism Studies” and author of a Muslim-bashing book. In 2007, Yerushalmi’s group paid Gaubatz $148,898 for “research.”

Gaubatz has a long history of bigotry targeting Islam and Muslims. He has called Islam an “evil ideology” and a “terminal disease.” Along with his past rhetorical attacks Islam, Gaubatz has called President Obama a “crack head” and wrote that “a vote for Hussein Obama is a vote for Sharia Law.”

It is becoming obvious to anyone who puts all the parts of the Islamophobia machine together that American Muslims are being targeted by a coordinated and well-funded nationwide effort to disenfranchise their community and demonize their faith.

This insidious effort will only succeed if Americans of all faiths fail take a stand against un-American attempts to divide our nation along religious lines.

[Nihad Awad is national executive director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s leading Muslim civil liberties organization. He may be contacted at nawad@cair.com.]

2009-05-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

New York Times:
May 21, 2009, 7:10 am

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/21/police-detail-disruption-of-terror-plot/

Police Detail Disruption of Terror Plot
By Sewell Chan AND Nate Schweber

Updated, 11:02 a.m. Wanda Cromitie, whose brother, James, has been described by the authorities as the ringleader of the terror plot, said in a phone interview, “I was very surprised. I heard about it on T.V. this morning. This is really shocking. This is crazy. I’m really devastated.”

Asked whether her brother had ever expressed any political views like the ones ascribed to him by the authorities, Ms. Cromitie replied: “Never. Right now to me he’s like the dumbest person I ever came in contact with in my life.”

Ms. Cromitie said she was not close with her brother and last talked to him about two years ago. She believed he had a job at a K-Mart or Wal-Mart.

Ms. Cromitie said she did not believe her brother was a Muslim, but noted that many inmates convert to Islam in prison. “They do a little time in jail and they don’t eat pork no more,” she said.

Updated, 10:57 a.m. The four men who were arrested Wednesday night in what the authorities said was a plot to bomb two synagogues in the Bronx and shoot down military planes at an Air National Guard base in Newburgh, N.Y., were “petty criminals” who acted alone and did not appear to be acting in concert with any terrorist organization, Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said on Thursday morning.
Raymond W. KellyChip East/Reuters Raymond W. Kelly, the New York City police commissioner, spoke about the case on Thursday morning in front of the Riverdale Jewish Center.

In a news conference at the Riverdale Jewish Center, one of the two synagogues that were said to be the targets of the plot, Mr. Kelly offered new details about the four defendants — James Cromitie, David Williams, Onta Williams and Laguerre Payen. The men are to be arraigned in Federal District Court in White Plains, N.Y., later Thursday morning.

Mr. Cromitie, 53, had lived in Brooklyn and had a record of “as many as 27 arrests” for minor crimes “both upstate and in New York City,” Mr. Kelly said. He, David Williams and Onta Williams are native-born United States citizens, while Mr. Payen is a native of Haiti. “We believe they knew each other from prison contacts, for the most part,” Mr. Kelly said.

Mr. Cromitie was the oldest member of the group and its leader, while the others were “significantly younger,” in their late 20s or early 30s, Mr. Kelly said.

“They stated that they wanted to commit jihad,” he said. “More information about their motives I’m sure will be developed as the case progresses, but right now, they stated they wanted to make jihad. They were disturbed about what was happening in Afghanistan and Pakistan, that Muslims were being killed. They were making statements that Jews were killed in this attack and that would be all right — that sort of thing.”

The men, all of whom live in Newburgh, about 60 miles north of New York City, were arrested around 9 p.m. Wednesday after planting what they believed to be bombs in cars outside the Riverdale Temple, a Reform synagogue, and the nearby Riverdale Jewish Center, an Orthodox synagogue.

The arrests came after what officials described as a “painstaking investigation” that began in June 2008 involving an F.B.I. agent who had been told by a federal informant of the men’s desire to attack targets in America.

At no point, the authorities emphasized, did the men actually acquire weapons of mass destruction, though they stand accused of conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction within the United States and conspiracy to acquire and use antiaircraft missiles.

Mr. Kelly offered fresh details on Thursday morning of the moments leading up to the arrests on Wednesday night.

The arrests, he said, occurred after one of the suspects placed what he believed were homemade bombs, or improvised explosive devices, in separate vehicles parked outside the synagogues. The other three suspects served as lookouts, Mr. Kelly said.

“There was a driver who was a cooperator, and there was the individual who placed the bombs in the vehicle, and then there were three lookouts,” Mr. Kelly said. “When everyone returned to their car — as everyone was going back to the car — that is when the signal was given to the emergency service officers to move in.”

An 18-wheel New York Police Department vehicle — known as a “low-boy” — blocked the suspects’ black sport utility vehicle at 237th Street and Riverdale Avenue. The F.B.I. informer also served as the driver of the suspects’ S.U.V., Mr. Kelly said.

Another armored vehicle arrived, and officers from the department’s Emergency Service Unit smashed the blackened windows of the S.U.V., removed the men from the vehicle, and handcuffed them on the ground. None offered resistance.

Other police officers, along with members of the Joint Terrorist Task Force, the F.B.I., and the State Police, were also on hand, and “moved in and took those individuals away,” Mr. Kelly said.

Each of the two homemade bombs was equipped with “about 37 pounds” of inert C-4 plastic explosives, but the devices had been “totally disabled by the F.B.I.” and “there was no danger to anyone,” Mr. Kelly said.

He said of the case: “It speaks to our concern about homegrown terrorism.”

Mr. Kelly joined Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and elected officials for a news conference on Thursday morning outside the Riverdale Jewish Center to greet morning worshipers.

The mayor praised the Police Department, which worked on the F.B.I. and other agencies on the case, and described the disruption of the terror plot as a frightening but exceptional occurrence. “Most people in New York City want to live together, work together, and I think we’re as safe today as we’ve ever been before,” the mayor said.

State Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, a Bronx Democrat who represents Riverdale, noted that he is a member of the congregation at the Riverdale Temple. “I think most people will agree that we’re very angry, but very sad that this kind of plot would take place in our community,” he said. “There are people out there motivated by religious hatred, hatred against Jews, frankly, but the good news is that the N.Y.P.D. and F.B.I. were on top of this from the very beginning.”

City Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, who also represents the neighborhood, said: “It’s a very frightening, disturbing situation. Fortunately, good, enormously good police work averted a terrible tragedy.”

He added: “Unfortunately, people with twisted minds often copy things. I think our community needs special protection now — I’m sure we’ll get it.”

The overwhelming sentiment among members of the Jewish population in Riverdale interviewed on Thursday morning was astonishment.

“I was shocked,” Eric Suss, 18, said outside the Riverdale Jewish Center. “As a Jew, I felt targeted.”

Harry Feder, 59, former president of the Orthodox synagogue, said: “I think it’s just a shock. Of all the places in the metropolitan area, of all the communities, this is surprising. This has put fear into whatever community you’re in.”

Another synagogue member, Elliot Falk, 56, said: “I felt a heightened sense of danger. There’s always been anti-Semitism in this world, it’s a shame to see it taken to an extreme here.”

David Winter, executive director of the synagogue, said he was “both shocked and relieved.” He said, “Instead of a terrible story, it’s a story of success.” The Riverdale Jewish Center has close ties to Israel.

More than 700 families are members of the synagogue, and people normally pray there from 5:30 in the morning until 10 in the evening, Mr. Winter said.

The Riverdale Jewish Community Council, whose leaders were briefed on the terror plot by police officials on Wednesday evening, noted that Jewish synagogues in the neighborhood had been the subject of threats. Ari Hoffnung, the council’s chairman, said in a statement:

Unfortunately, this is not the first attempt to terrorize a house of worship in Riverdale. This incident demonstrates the need for the Department of Homeland Security and other relevant agencies to expand the funding of security grants for religious institutions and houses of worship. High-density, high-vulnerability areas like New York ought to receive all resources necessary to protect themselves.

Also on Thursday, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a civil liberties organization for Muslim Americans, urged the public not to link the case with mainstream Islam.

“We applaud the F.B.I., the New York Police Department and the other law enforcement agencies that took part in the investigation for their efforts in helping to prevent any harm to either Jewish institutions or to our nation’s military,” the organization’s executive director, Nihad Awad, said. “We repeat the American Muslim community’s repudiation of bias-motivated crimes and of anyone who would falsely claim religious justification for violent actions. Members of the American Muslim community should remain vigilant in reporting any activities that could harm the safety and security of our nation or its citizens.”

Sam Roberts contributed reporting.

2009-05-21T08:13:00.001-07:00

CAIR Applauds FBI for Preventing Attacks on NY Jewish Sites

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/21/2009) The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today applauded efforts by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies that apparently thwarted an alleged plot to attack Jewish institutions in New York.

Four men were arrested Wednesday for allegedly plotting to bomb a synagogue and a Jewish community center. The men also allegedly planned to shoot down military planes.

SEE: Synagogue Targeted in NY Plot, Four Charged (Reuters)

In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

“We applaud the FBI, the New York Police Department and the other law enforcement agencies that took part in the investigation for their efforts in helping to prevent any harm to either Jewish institutions or to our nation’s military.

"We repeat the American Muslim community’s repudiation of bias-motivated crimes and of anyone who would falsely claim religious justification for violent actions. Members of the American Muslim community should remain vigilant in reporting any activities that could harm the safety and security of our nation or its citizens.”

CAIR also requested that media outlets and public officials refrain from linking this case to mainstream Islam and to challenge those who will inevitably exploit this disturbing incident to promote anti-Muslim fear and stereotypes.

Along with innumerable condemnations of other terror incidents, CAIR has in the past launched an online anti-terror petition drive called “Not in the Name of Islam,” initiated a television public service announcement campaign of that same name and coordinated a “fatwa,” or Islamic religious ruling, against terrorism and religious extremism.

SEE: CAIR’s Anti-Terrorism Campaigns

[NOTE TO EDITORS: American Muslims are often accused of not speaking out forcefully against acts of terror committed in the name of Islam. This statement, along with the many other past anti-terror statements by mainstream Muslim groups, reaffirms the American Muslim community’s unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms.]

CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

- END

2009-05-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

CAIR WELCOMES ROXANA SABERI’S RELEASE BY IRAN
U.S. Muslim group planned delegation seeking ‘gesture of reconciliation’

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/11/09) A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy organization today welcomed Iran’s release of American journalist Roxana Saberi, who was freed Monday after an Iranian appeals court suspended her eight-year prison sentence on charges of espionage.

Last month, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced that it was planning to send a delegation to Iran to ask that Saberi be released as a “gesture of reconciliation” that would benefit the cause of international peace and stability.

SEE: CAIR Prepares Delegation to Iran Seeking Journalist’s Release

“We are pleased that Roxana Saberi has been released and hope this move on the part of Iran will create a political atmosphere more conducive to improved relations between our two nations,” said CAIR Board Chairman State Sen. Larry Shaw (NC).

He noted that CAIR informed President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton of its planned mission and received a letter to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from the family of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who has been missing in Iran since 2007. Shaw said that letter will now be sent to Iranian officials.

On April 9, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad sent a letter to President Ahmadinejad calling on the government of Iran to release Saberi. In his letter, Awad wrote in part:

“We recognize the serious nature of the issues that seem to hinder an improved relationship between our two nations. We ask Iran to take this opportunity to make a gesture of reconciliation that will help create an atmosphere in which those issues may be addressed in a positive manner.”

SEE: U.S. Muslim Organization Calls on Iran to Release Journalist

In 2006, Awad and CAIR Legislative Director Corey Saylor travelled to Iraq to appeal for the release of American journalist Jill Carroll.

SEE: U.S. Muslim Leaders Call for Release of Journalist in Iraq

CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

2009-05-15T11:59:00.000-07:00

CAIR WELCOMES POPE’S STATEMENT OF RESPECT FOR ISLAM

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/8/09) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed Pope Benedict XVI’s expression of respect for Islam and Muslims as he began his first trip to the Middle East.

After being greeted in Jordan by King Abdullah, the pope said: "My visit to Jordan gives me a welcome opportunity to speak of my deep respect for the Muslim community, and to pay tribute to the leadership shown by his majesty the king in promoting a better understanding of the virtues proclaimed by Islam.”

SEE: Pope, in Jordan, Offers Church Help for Peace Process (Reuters)

“We welcome Pope Benedict’s expression of respect and hope his positive statement will be reciprocated by leaders and ordinary people throughout the region,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

Awad is a signatory, along with 137 other Muslim leaders and scholars, to an open letter titled "A Common Word Between Us and You," which was sent to Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and more than 20 other Christian leaders in 2007.

The open letter was designed to promote understanding between Muslims and Christians worldwide.

CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

2009-04-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

CAIR Prepares Delegation to Iran Seeking Journalist’s Release
U.S. Muslims will ask for ‘gesture of reconciliation’ to improve relations

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/23/09) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is preparing to send a delegation to Iran to seek the release of American journalist Roxana Saberi, who was recently sentenced by an Iranian court to eight years in prison. CAIR’s delegation is prepared to leave for Iran as early as Friday, April 24.

In an April 17 letter to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, CAIR Board Chairman State Senator Larry Shaw (NC) and CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad requested that the Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization “be allowed to travel to Iran to discuss with you and other officials the case of Roxana Saberi and how it may be resolved in a way that helps improve relations and benefits the cause of international peace and stability.”

Earlier this month, CAIR called on Iran to release Saberi as a “gesture of reconciliation” to help improve relations between America and Iran.

In an April 22 letter to President Obama making him aware of the delegation’s mission, a copy of which was sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad wrote in part:

“As an American Muslim organization, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is concerned that the case of American journalist Roxana Saberi has become a roadblock to greater dialogue between the United States and Iran…We hope our efforts may help secure Ms. Saberi’s release and contribute to promoting peace through constructive dialogue between nations.”

CAIR also arranged to deliver a letter to President Ahmadinejad from the family of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who has been missing in Iran since 2007. The delegation is additionally prepared to discuss the case of Esha Momeni, an Iranian-American graduate student currently prevented from leaving Iran.

White House and State Department officials will be offered briefings on the results of the trip.

In 2006, CAIR sent a similar delegation to Iraq to appeal for the release of American journalist Jill Carroll.

CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

2007-03-09T21:15:00.000-08:00

Video: Awad on C-Span Discussing Sunni-Shia Relations in Wake of Saddam Execution

2007-01-16T16:01:00.000-08:00

CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad appears on C-SPAN's Washington Journal to discuss the impact of the execution of Saddam Hussein on the Muslim holy day of Eid Al-Adha.

You can see the video here.

Video: Awad on Ceremonial Congressional Oath on the Quran

2006-12-08T06:14:00.000-08:00

Nihad Awad on Neil Cavuto with Dennis Prager discussing the use of a Quran in a ceremonial photo opportunity as the first Muslim Member of Congress takes his oath to uphold the US Constitution.

See the video here.

Video: Awad on O'Reilly: Pope Visit to Turkey

2006-12-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

You can watch Nihad Awad on the Fox News segment here.

Video: Awad on C-Span Discussing Muslim Voter Poll

2006-10-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

You can see the video here.

The segment begins around 36:26 on the feed.

Parvez Ahmed and Nihad Awad: Reject the political Muslim-bashing smears

2006-10-23T17:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.startribune.com/562/story/754239.html

as published October 19, 2006

Parvez Ahmed and Nihad Awad: Reject the political Muslim-bashing smears

There has been much sound and fury in certain circles about the American Muslim community's support for Keith Ellison and his campaign to represent Minnesota's Fifth Congressional District.

A handful of right-wing bloggers, agenda-driven commentators and political operatives have used scurrilous smear tactics in an attempt to derail his campaign and to marginalize American Muslim voters. These smears and distortions send an un-American message of intolerance and bigotry.

We are proud of our personal donations to Ellison's campaign. He has proven himself to be an effective legislator and his commitment to social justice is worthy of admiration. We believe his election will send a powerful message to the world about America's commitment to religious inclusion and tolerance.

No one should be vilified merely for exercising their rights as an American citizen. Yet attacks on Ellison fit a disturbing pattern of Muslim-bashing that has been seen nationwide this campaign season.

In New York, Rep. Peter King tarred the vast majority of mosques in his state and nationwide as being run by "radicals." In California, a Muslim candidate for the Anaheim City Council is labeled "anti-American" by his Republican opponents. In Wisconsin, a candidate for Congress questioned about his call for profiling of Muslims suggested looking for anyone who is "wearing a turban and his name is Muhammad."

We understand the fear some Americans have of all things Muslim and Islamic. We hear these fears when visiting temples, synagogues and churches. We see the fear in people's eyes when we board an aircraft.

The current wave of terror committed in the name of Islam by a tiny minority of misguided individuals makes it all too easy to attack Islam and stereotype Muslims. Yet a look beyond the violent headlines reveals a more complex situation.

When churches in the Occupied Territories were vandalized, apparently in reaction to comments on Islam by Pope Benedict, major Muslim organizations condemned the violence and reached out for dialogue. Our organization also raised money to repair the damaged churches.

At the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), we are proud of our record of promoting interfaith understanding. We are also proud of our commitment to peace and our repeated condemnations of terrorism in all its forms, whether carried out by individuals, groups or states.

A CAIR statement released on the fifth anniversary of 9/11 said: "As American Muslims.... we will not allow terrorist groups like Al-Qaida to be the voice of Muslims or the representation of Islam to the rest of the world."

Other CAIR antiterror initiatives include our "Not in the Name of Islam" online petition, signed by hundreds of thousands of Muslims, and the Islamic religious ruling (fatwa) repudiating religious extremism and violence (see www.cair.com).

When President Bush visited a Washington, D.C., mosque immediately after the 9/11 attacks, he met with a CAIR official. Over the years, CAIR representatives have been in numerous discussions about our nation's affairs with Condoleezza Rice, Al Gore, Karen Hughes, Bill Clinton, and any number of other top government officials. CAIR officials have also been invited by the FBI to participate in its press conferences.

In a desperate bid to boost sagging poll numbers, an Ellison opponent sent campaign materials to voters smearing him as being linked to terrorism, all because he accepted donations from Muslims like us.

This type of guilt by association has been tried in the past. Fortunately, the vast majority of Americans rejected such tactics when the "other" of the day included Catholics, Irish immigrants, Jews or Asians.

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

We are clearly living at a time of challenge and controversy. In a campaign as important as this one, and in a time as trying as ours, it is perfectly acceptable to challenge the ideas and policy positions of any candidate. But smears, distortions and unfounded guilt by association are un-American and should be firmly rejected by people of conscience.

In endorsing Ellison, the American Jewish World wrote: "Voters could make an emphatic statement-- one that would gain national and international attention -- by casting their ballots for Keith Ellison."

The election of an African-American Muslim supported by Muslims, Christians and Jews will be among the finest displays of American democracy -- one that will reverberate across the globe.

Parvez Ahmed is board chairman of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation's largest Muslim civil liberties group. Nihad Awad is CAIR's national executive director.

Opinion: Islam and the West: The way forward

2006-10-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

By Nihad Awad

(Note: This article was originally published September 23, 2003. To see it in its original context click here.)

The quest for world peace is a shared responsibility. No one can deny the fact that official relations between Western countries and the Muslim world have reached a heightened pitch.

It is not a "clash of civilizations" but reluctance on the part of the majority - on both sides - to be involved in honest discourse.

The result of this reluctance leaves the outcome of the relationship to the whims of a few; principally, those who desire to promote a "clash of civilizations".

'White elephant'

It is in the best interests of Western countries to recognize that there are unresolved problems in the Muslim world. Both East and West must actively participate in the resolution of these issues.

The major obstacles to this resolution include the lack of freedoms and independence in the Muslim world and the inability of Western powers to acknowledge and reform certain unjust foreign policies.

These obstacles manifest themselves most vividly in the occupied territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which have become the proverbial elephant in the room that everyone tries to ignore.

Failures on both sides have allowed fringe elements in the East to manipulate and exploit the forgotten elephant.

After the tragic attacks of 9/11, the world's remaining superpower moved into action in an attempt to deal with the elephant's shadow, but not the elephant itself.

Reform in Islam

When we now cast our critical eye eastward, there are those in the Muslim world who have not come far enough in condemning some of their brethren who illegitimately use their faith to attack innocents.

Courage is needed in the Muslim world to stand up and declare that acts of political violence are completely antithetical to the teachings of Islam.

Such a stance is not a "reform" in Islam; it actually comes directly from the heart of the Koran.

The idea of mutual respect towards humanity is not a product of modern-day liberalism - it is a clear text from the Koran itself.

The Koran tells us that: "O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other and not that you may despise each other." (49:13)

In sum, both the Western powers and the Muslim world have the obligation of addressing their own shortcomings.

America, my country, clearly sets the international agenda and must compel those within its sphere of influence to consistently adhere to basic human rights principles.

A brighter future?

As Americans, we must urge our country to act in our own self-interest and not succumb to the influence of special interest groups who negatively influence an otherwise even-handed approach to policymaking.

For the sake of humanity, we cannot surrender our destiny to those leaders and individuals who see only darkness ahead - those who see heroism only in the use of force; not in the power of reconciliation.

Only when we venture on the path towards cooperation and responsibility will we be able to offer ourselves and our posterity a brighter future.

On the Issues

2006-10-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

On Islam
"To more than a billion Muslims worldwide, Islam is a religion that teaches tolerance, freedom and compassion. Those who understand Islam and know Muslims as friends and colleagues realize that Islam is one of the three Abrahamic faiths and that Muslims are contributing members of societies around the world.”

On Interfaith Respect
“Like the Caliph Umar who refused to pray in a Jerusalem church because his followers might then be tempted to turn it into a mosque, Muslims have a religious duty to respect and protect all houses of worship.”

“It is time for the majority of Muslims, Christians and Jews to stand up and say they will not let the fringe of any faith group dictate how they view and interact with each other.”

On Praying for Others
“We call on all people of faith to pray for …the health and safety of all those worldwide who are suffering as the result of natural or man-made disasters.”

On Dealing with Detractors and Hatred
Citing Prophet Muhammad’s example: “When he was attacked personally and abused by people who ridiculed him, when he became powerful he forgave these people. He counseled his companions not to punish and not to torture.”

On Al-Qaeda
”In light of the 5th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we feel the need to once again condemn and repudiate Al-Qaeda and its myopic worldview…For the last five years, Al-Qaeda has offered nothing but a future filled with endless violence and division.”

"…we will not allow terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda to be the voice of Muslims or the representation of Islam to the rest of the world.”

"Al-Qaeda's worldview is a complete distortion of Islam because Islamic teachings clearly state that the killing of one innocent life is the moral equivalent of the killing of all humanity.

"As Muslims, we will continue to condemn Al-Qaeda and ensure that the rest of the world learns the true message of Islam and its teachings of peace, justice and compassion for all."

On Terrorism
"Notwithstanding the fact that there are legitimate political grievances in the Muslim world today, Islam has never, and will never, justify the killing of innocent civilians in order to achieve political or religious goals.

"My position and CAIR's position is extremely clear - we condemn suicide bombings."

On Building Bridges
"CAIR and other national American Muslim groups stand ready to help build bridges of understanding between America and the Islamic world."

On the 2006 Lebanon Conflict
"How many more innocent lives must be lost before America acts to reign in Israel's brutal campaign of state terror in Lebanon. Our nation's uncritical and unjustified support for Israeli attacks on civilians in Lebanon and Gaza is beyond all moral bounds and is out of sync with American public opinion."

On the Holocaust
“I think we have to honor the memory those who were killed and persecuted regardless of the victim and regardless of the vicitimizer. I think the Holocaust is a lesson for all of us to learn and we cannot mock it, we cannot deny it.”

On Sectarian Violence
“The atrocious attack on the Askariya shrine [in Iraq] is an obvious attempt to incite sectarian violence. The Iraqi people, and Muslims worldwide, must not fall into the trap set by those who seek division and mutual hatred.”

On FBI-Muslim Community Relations
“[A meeting with FBI Deputy Director John Pistole] offered an opportunity to improve lines of communication and to increase mutual cooperation on issues related to national security and the prevention of hate crimes,”

On Public Service
“We have to serve the public. Allah (swt) described the Prophet (s) as a public servant to mankind: ‘We have not sent you except as a mercy to mankind.’ It is a strategic obligation on Muslims in the West to prove that they are a mercy and blessing to Australia, to America, to Europe because you are there and you have to touch people’s hearts through your service. We say in the West ‘if you would like to be a leader, you have to be a servant’ because leadership is service. We cannot just ask people to be sympathizers and understanding of Islam if we ourselves do not live Islam and touch people’s hearts as a neighbour, as a classmate, as a co-worker, as friends around us.”

Image: Awad with then-Governor Bush

2006-10-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

Media Appearances

2006-10-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

CNN (Video): Is Congressman Peter King Exploiting Anti-Muslim Bias

PBS News Hour (Video): Muslim Catholic Debate on Pope Benedict’s Regensberg Comments

C-Span Washington Journal (Video): Danish Cartoons

CNN Transcript (Text): Profiling

Event Transcript (Text): The Israel Lobby and the US Response to the War in Lebanon

Democracy Now (Text, Video, Audio): Muslim Leaders in Iraq Call for Release of Kidnapped U.S. Journalist Jill Carroll as Deadline Set by Captors Expires

Fox News, O’Reilly Factor (Text): CAIR Outraged Over President’s Use of Term ‘Islamic Fascists’

Image: Awad and Vice President Gore

2006-10-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

Biography of Nihad Awad

2006-10-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

Nihad Awad is executive director and co-founder of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest non-profit Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States.

Since CAIR’s founding in 1994, Awad has worked to empower American Muslims, fight discrimination and foster positive interfaith relations in America.

After the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, Awad aided in the relief effort, meeting with then-Governor Keating and presenting him a sizable donation for the victims’ fund on behalf of the American Muslim community. Awad also spoke out against the false accusations being leveled at Arabs and Muslims after that tragic incident.

In 1997, Awad served on Vice President Al Gore’s Civil Rights Advisory Panel to the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security.

A few days after September 11, 2001, Awad was one of a select group American Muslim leaders invited by the White House to join President Bush in a press conference condemning the attacks and acts anti-Muslim intolerance that followed.

In 2004, National Journal listed Awad among “people whose ideas will help shape the debates over 10 important issues of the day.”

Awad is a member of US Institute of Peace (USIP) Advisory Committee on US-Muslim world Relations. Awad is the US Representative of the Vatican affiliated International Committee on Muslim-Christian (Catholic) Dialog.

Awad has testified before both houses of Congress. He has met with officials at the highest levels of our government. Awad has spoken at prestigious educational institutions including Harvard, Stanford and Johns Hopkins Universities.

Awad is routinely interviewed by national and international media such as CNN, BBC World Service, PBS, C-SPAN, National Public Radio, the New York Times, the Washington Post, Voice of America and Al-Jazeerah.

Awad is a regular participant in the U.S. Department of State’s “International Visitors Program,” which brings foreign dignitaries, journalists and academics to learn about the United States.

Awad has conducted hundreds of seminars across the country, training Muslim communities in communications techniques. He has been a leader in helping Muslims assert their civil rights and their rights in the workplace.

Under Awad’s leadership, CAIR has conducted diversity training on Islam and Muslims for the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, US Armed Forces, several local and state law enforcement agencies, Fortune 500 companies and many other US corporations, including Nike and DKNY.

CAIR regularly meets with law enforcement officials at the national, state and local levels. After the August 2006 arrest of men accused of planning bomb attacks on US bound airliners the FBI invited CAIR along with other Muslim organizations to participate in a joint press conference. In 2003, CAIR officials spoke at a joint press conference with the FBI in Miami urging the community to assist law enforcement in their search for a man on the most wanted list.