Muslim American News Briefs, August 20, 2007
* Hadith: Teach
People Goodness
* CAIR-FL Helps Needy Students (Miami Herald)
* CAIR-NY Urges Support for Arabic Language School
* CAIR-CA: Mosques Need Native Imams to Connect with
Youth
* CAIR: Idaho Rep Apologizes for Remarks About
Muslim Colleague
* CAIR-CA: Mosque Opens Its Doors to
Understanding
* U.S. Diplomacy Effort Reaches Out to Muslim
Youths (Globe)
* Gazans Tell of Demeaning Questioning by Israelis
(Haaretz)
-----
HADITH OF THE DAY: TEACH PEOPLE GOODNESS - TOP
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Verily, (for the scholars)
God and His angels, the dwellers of the Heavens and of the Earth, even an
ant in its hole and fish (in the depth of the sea) invoke blessings on
someone who teaches people goodness.”
Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 70
The Prophet also said: “Mankind shall follow you and people from the
different parts of the earth will come to you in order to learn and acquire
understanding of religion. So when they come to you, exhort them to do
good.”
Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 71
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CAIR-FL: MUSLIM GROUP HELPS NEEDY STUDENTS - TOP
South Florida Muslims distributed free school supplies to needy children as
part of a community outreach program.
PARADISE AFSHAR, Miami Herald, 8/19/07
http://www.miamiherald.com/494/story/206247.html
Altaf Ali had a vision that one day he would organize the Muslim
community to join in an end-of-summer tradition: distributing school
supplies to needy children.
“I was a student once and noticed a lot of students did not have supplies,
and I said one day I'd have to have the Muslim community help out in
this,” said Ali. “It is our moral obligation -- and not only as Muslims
but as Americans -- to give.”
That day came Aug. 11, when Ali and the South Florida chapter of the
Council on American-Islamic Affairs (CAIR-SFL) got together with several
Islamic centers to distribute school bags filled with supplies to about 325
children.
Another 125 or so children got bags and supplies the next day when the
distribution continued at Masjid Miami Gardens, 4305 NW 183rd St., one of
the major mosques in the area.
“I came just to help out,” said Afroza Kashar, 21, of Miramar. “I
think it's a good cause. I respect that CAIR is taking money from people who
have money and giving it to people who don't.”
William Clear, 12, of Opa-locka, was among those who got school supplies.
“Now I don't have to wait in back-to-school lines. It was just nice to get
a book bag for free,” said William, who came out on Aug. 12.
It was the third annual Muslims Care community outreach for the Pembroke
Pines-based CAIR-SFL, a branch of a national organization that promotes
Muslim rights and outreach. But it was the first that targeted needy school
children; for the previous two, the group handed out food and clothing to
the homeless.
“I was shocked at the amount of people who came,” said Ali, who plans to
add the school supplies giveaway to his Muslims Care project. (MORE)
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CAIR-NY URGES SUPPORT FOR ARABIC LANGUAGE SCHOOL - TOP
(NEW YORK, NY, 8/19/07) – The New York chapter of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today called upon Muslim New
Yorkers and other people of conscience to participate in a peaceful
demonstration in support of the Khalil Gibran International Academy (KGIA),
an Arabic language school scheduled to open this fall in Brooklyn.
Immediate Action Requested
1. SIGN Communities in Support of the Khalil Gibran Academy statement by
visiting http://www.awaam.org/.
Communities in Support of KGIA Statement in full:
As New Yorkers and others in support of quality public education for all of
our communities, we stand in solidarity with the Khalil Gibran International
Academy, which has sustained hateful and false attacks by anti-Arab media
and extremists. In the post-9/11 world, a school educating our children
about Arab history, culture, and language is not only crucial for the next
generation to become informed leaders for positive change in our
communities; it is also an extraordinary place of hope for peace,
understanding, and justice for our embattled world. We regret that Debbie
Almontaser was unfairly pressured to resign from her position as principal
due to the attacks, and we applaud her work to establish this school and
promote intercultural exchange in this diverse global city.
Those who seek to equate the study of Arabic language, culture, and history
with religious fanaticism and violence are irresponsibly aggravating a
present moment of hysteria against Arab and Muslim communities, and are
using this moment to promote hatred in a time of war. We urge our public
officials to reject these racist and inaccurate attacks, and continue to
work towards building a lasting educational institution that promises to
bring our communities together, rather than divide and pit them against each
other. We call on all communities who want to see peace on our streets and
in our world to stand with us in support of the Khalil Gibran International
Academy.
2. PARTICIPATE in a Peaceful Demonstration in support of KGIA.
What: Peaceful Demonstration in Support of KGIA
When: Monday, August 20, 2007 at 6 p.m.
Where: NYC Department of Education, Tweed Courthouse, 52 Chambers Street
Between Broadway & Centre St. in Manhattan
Subways: 4, 5, 6, N, R, W, M, J, 2, 3, A
Sponsors: Arab Resource and Organizing Center, San Francisco, CA; AWAAM:
Arab Women Active in the Arts and Media; Brown Memorial Baptist Church
Center for Immigrant Families; Council on American-Islamic Relations–NY;
Greater New York Labor-Religion Coalition; Jews for Racial and
Economic Justice (JFREJ); Muslim Consultative Network; WFD Program Steering
Committee at First Unitarian Congregational Society of Brooklyn
Organizational Endorsers: Adalah-NY: Coalition for Justice in the Middle
East; The African American Islamic Institute (AAII); Brecht Forum; Brooklyn
For Peace (formerly Brooklyn Parents for Peace); Ethical Action Committee of
the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture; Independent Commission on Public
Education; Kolot Chayeinu/Voices of Our Lives, Brooklyn; Malcolm X
Grassroots Movement, Oakland Chapter; Peoples MEDIA Center; Sunset Park
Alliance of Neighbors; WESPAC Foundation
CAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 33 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.
CONTACT: CAIR-NY Civil Rights Coordinator Aliya Latif, Tel: 212-870-2002 or
732-429-4268
-----
CAIR-CA: FAITH RELIES ON IMPORTS - TOP
County mosques need native imams to connect better with Muslims, especially
young people
VIK JOLLY, Orange County Register, 8/19/07
http://www.ocregister.com/news/imams-islamic-fazaga-1813853-muslim-mosque
The muezzin's call echoes around the mosque here, beckoning the Muslim
faithful to midday Friday prayers.
Stragglers scurry to take their places, as imam Yassir Fazaga – at 35,
younger than many in attendance – comes down from his office ready with
this week's sermon on lessons from the recent violence at a mosque in
Islamabad, Pakistan, that left more than 100 dead.
During the 20-minute prayer and talk, Fazaga moves fluidly from Arabic to
English. Afterwards, he stands outside the mosque entrance, where
congregants line up to speak with him.
Omar Azizi, 21, and his brother Mostafa, 16, of Mission Viejo, hug the sheik
and exchange greetings.
The Azizi brothers represent the growing ranks of Muslims in Southern
California and in the United States. By some estimates more than half of the
5 million to 7 million Muslims in America are under 18. While the East Coast
has more native and native-trained imams than the West Coast, there's a
shortage of such imams in the country, especially of Middle Eastern
heritage, and difficulty connecting with the youth.
An imam is the religious leader of a mosque, helping worshippers fulfill
their spiritual needs, performing services and counseling them. There is no
system of ordained clergy in Islam. Ultimately, the community picks the
person it trusts and who is educationally qualified to be an imam, Muslim
leaders say. . .
The urgency for more U.S.-bred and -raised imams is being recognized in the
Muslim world.
"Every center is looking for someone who can connect with our youth,
because the youth is our future," said Masoud Nassimi, acting president
of the Council on American Islamic Relations in Southern California.
(MORE)
-----
CAIR: IDAHO CONGRESSMAN APOLOGIZES FOR REMARKS ABOUT
MUSLIM COLLEAGUE - TOP
Todd Dvorak, Associated Press, 8/17/07
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420AP_ID_Congressman_Apology.html
BOISE, Idaho -- U.S. Rep. Bill Sali has apologized to a Muslim colleague for
remarks suggesting the nation's founders never intended for Muslims to serve
in Congress.
In the interview with the Christian-based American Family News Network, Sali,
a Republican freshman from Idaho's 1st District, referred to his U.S. House
colleague Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., who last fall became the first Muslim
elected to Congress.
The Aug. 8 report also includes Sali questioning the wisdom of Senate
leaders, who last month invited a Hindu clergyman to give the morning prayer
in the chamber.
"We have not only a Hindu prayer being offered in the Senate, we have a
Muslim member of the House of Representatives now," Sali is quoted as
saying on the network's Web site. "Those are changes, and they are not
what was envisioned by the Founding Fathers."
The comments sparked criticism from liberal bloggers and Idaho Democrats. A
former Idaho Democratic congressman called for Sali to either apologize or
resign.
Sali responded days later, sending Ellison an e-mail explaining he meant no
offense.
"He said that he wanted to make sure that U.S. Rep. Ellison understood
that he meant no harm or disrespect," Sali spokesman Wayne Hoffman
said. . .
A spokesman for a national Islamic civil rights group said the
organization is satisfied with Sali's response.
"Obviously we wish it hadn't occurred in the first place," said
Ibrahim Hooper, of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, based in
Washington D.C. "But we think he did the right thing. We hope he will
have learned a little more about the American Muslim community and will be
more sensitive about his comments in the future." (MORE)
SEE ALSO:
MN: MUSLIM MEMBER OF CONGRESS JOINS ANTI-SEMITISM
TASK FORCE - TOP
Jerusalem
Post, 8/19/07
The only Muslim member of Congress has joined its anti-Semitism task force.
"I am honored to join the Congressional Anti-Semitism Task Force
because it embodies the ideals and principles that have guided and shaped my
life," said US Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.). (MORE)
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CAIR-CA: HAWTHORNE MOSQUE OPENS ITS DOORS TO
UNDERSTANDING - TOP
Sunday gathering will try to counter misconceptions about the Islamic faith.
By Sandy Mazza, Daily Breeze, 8/18/07
http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/articles/9234236.html
Hundreds of men and women left their shoes at the door and bowed for the
weekly Friday afternoon prayer at the Islamic Center of Hawthorne.
The service was a typical one - adults and children were consumed in prayer
for about an hour. Some teens hung around outside the mosque, discussing
basketball and the popular reality TV show, "American Idol."
It could be the scene outside any American church or synagogue. And that's a
point local Muslim leaders want to make clear to non-Muslims.
On Sunday, the mosque is inviting people of all faiths to an open house at
the Islamic center, which also operates an elementary and middle school.
The open house is an annual event that also takes place at 12 other Southern
California mosques on Sunday. The need to invite non-Muslims is as important
as ever, said Ammar Kahf, an administrator at the Hawthorne center.
"Our goal is to promote community awareness and education," Kahf
said. "Hate crimes against Muslims increased this year."
Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, local mosques have been
"under siege" by prejudice and hate, said Affad Shaikh, a civil
rights coordinator at the California chapter of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations.
"There is a feeling that Muslims are being racially profiled, or
they're being treated or discussed in a way that is different," Shaikh
said. "Their American-ness is being questioned." (MORE)
SEE ALSO:
WA: WOMEN'S SHELTER LOSES CAR, FILES - TOP
Paperwork with visitors' Social Security numbers in stolen vehicle
Niki Sullivan, News Tribune, 8/19/07
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/136354.html
Aug. 19--Paperwork that included the names and Social Security numbers of
visitors to a newly opened domestic violence center in Tacoma were stolen
along with the center's car last week.
Asma Simmons, executive director of Sisters of Sunnah Islamic Services of
Tacoma, said Saturday that she'd parked the Dodge Neon outside her house
after attending a religious meeting Wednesday.
Less than 20 minutes later, the car was gone, she said.
Along with the car was a box of paperwork, including volunteer applications
and the names and Social Security numbers of visitors to the center.
"We had all of our paperwork in the back of our car," Simmons
said.
She reported the theft to Tacoma police, who later received a report that a
car of the same description was involved in a drive-by shooting, according
to police spokesman Mark Fulghum.
Fulghum said Simmons' car was found abandoned, with what could be a bullet
hole in the back window.
The car was returned to her Friday. But the paperwork was gone, putting the
victims and volunteer applicants in jeopardy, and setting the center back,
Simmons said. The car, she said, was a total loss.
Because the center hasn't secured funding yet, Simmons said she'd bought the
car herself with cash, since her religion bars her from buying on credit.
She said she bought only minimum insurance, so she's lost the car and also
had to pay out-of-pocket for the towing.
"It's a crisis situation," she said. "We don't have any way
to get around.
"We're doing something in the Muslim community that has never been
done," Simmons said. "This is really run by women for women with
women giving the money.". . .
To contact Sisters of Sunnah Islamic Services, call Asma Simmons at
253-389-0830, or e-mail sistersofsunnah islamicservices@yahoo.com
Niki Sullivan: 253-597-8658
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DIPLOMACY EFFORT REACHES OUT TO MUSLIM YOUTHS - TOP
Farah Stockman, Boston Globe, 8/18/07
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2007/08/18/diplomacy
_effort_reaches_out_to_muslim_youths/
WASHINGTON -- The State Department is launching what it says will be the
first comprehensive public diplomacy effort targeting children, hoping to
shape the views of Muslim youths ages 8 to 14 with a series of summer camps
and enrichment programs designed to counter negative images of the United
States. (MORE)
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GAZA RESIDENTS TELL OF DEMEANING QUESTIONING BY SHIN BET
- TOP
Amira Hass, Haaretz, 8/17/07
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/894015.html
In the most recent Israel Defense Forces raids in the Gaza Strip, during
which dozens of people were detained for interrogation by the Shin Bet, the
security service adopted a procedure unknown in recent years: The detainees
were forced to undress in the presence of another detainee and a soldier or
a member of the Shin Bet and then be interrogated while wearing a
disposable, blue paper overall. This emerged in cumulative testimony from
the Strip. In the West Bank, apparently, the color of the overall is white.
(MORE)
SEE ALSO:
ADL LOCAL LEADER FIRED ON ARMENIAN ISSUE - TOP
Keith O'Brien, Boston Globe, 8/18/07
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/08/18/adl
_local_leader_fired_on_armenian_issue/
The national Anti-Defamation League fired its New England regional director
yesterday, one day after he broke ranks with national ADL leadership and
said the human rights organization should acknowledge the Armenian genocide
that began in 1915.
The firing of Andrew H. Tarsy, who had served as regional director for about
two years and as civil rights counsel for about five years before that,
prompted an immediate backlash among prominent local Jewish leaders against
the ADL's national leadership and its national director, Abraham H. Foxman.
(MORE)
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CAIR
Council on American-Islamic Relations
453 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
Tel: 202-488-8787, 202-744-7726
Fax: 202-488-0833
E-mail: info@cair.com
URL: http://www.cair.com
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