Muslim American News Briefs, July 15, 2007

* Verse: People of the Book
* CAIR-FL: Destruction of Muslim Home Screams of Hatred
           - CAIR-FL: Why No Outrage at Anti-Muslim Hate Crime?
           - Video: TV Coverage of Arson Attack on FL Muslim Home
* MA: Paper Says Steve Emerson ‘Promotes Extreme Views’
           - DC: David Keene to Speak on 'Islamophobia' Panel
* MN: Imams' Lawyer Gets Second Death Threat (Pioneer Press)
            - CAIR: Lawyer Receives Second Death Threat (MN Monitor)
* CAIR-OH: Muslim Women Told to Drop Scarves (Cincinnati Enq)
           - CAIR-CA Helps Muslim Woman Retake License Photo
* CAIR-CA: Muslim Youth Leadership Conference
* CAIR: Not in the Name of Islam, or of Medicine (RNS)
           - CAIR: Doctors’ Involvement in Terror Disturbing
           - U.S. Senate Resolution Supports Muslim Doctors

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VERSE OF THE DAY: PEOPLE OF THE BOOK - TOP

"Say: 'O people of the Book! Let us come together on what is common between us and you: that we shall worship none but God; that we shall not associate any partners with Him; (and) that we shall not take from among ourselves any lords other than God.'"

The Holy Quran, 3:64

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CAIR-FL: DESTRUCTION SCREAMS OF HATRED - TOP
RICHARD DYMOND, Bradenton Herald, 7/14/07
http://www.bradenton.com/280/story/97577.html

SARASOTA --Profane expletives against Islam, spray-painted multiple times in red across Hasib Sejfovic's house on a quiet Sarasota street, shock people who drive by.

When people see the words, and the burned shell of the Sejfovic home on Avila Avenue, just south of University Parkway, they slow their cars to stare.

"This is on the severe end of the hate crimes that have occurred in our state so far," Ahmed Bedier, executive director of the Tampa Council on American-Islamic Relations, said as he toured the site Friday. (MORE)

SEE ALSO:

CAIR-FL: ISLAMIC ACTIVISTS WANT FBI TO LOOK INTO ARSON AND VANDALISM OF SARASOTA COUNTY HOME - TOP
By LATISHA R. GRAY, Herald Tribune, 7/14/07
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20070714/NEWS/707140330

SARASOTA COUNTY -- Islamic activists are calling on the FBI to investigate a hate crime in which a Bosnian family's home was burned and spray painted with anti-Muslim slurs.

Hasib Sejfovic, 43, walked through what was left of his Avila Avenue home Friday afternoon. He looked at the charred remains of his couch, and the kitchen he recently spent $15,000 remodeling.

Ahmed Bedier, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, followed Sejfovic with a camera, filming the words "Kill all Arabs" that had been spray painted in red on the floor.

"These people aren't even Arab," Bedier said. "They are European. That shows you how smart the people are who did this."

Bedier said it is the worst case of anti-Muslim discrimination he has seen, and he wants to know why it has not received more public attention.

"Where are the elected public officials?" Bedier said. "Why did it take a week for people to find out about this? Why isn't there more outrage?" (MORE)

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MEDIA COVERAGE OF ARSON ATTACK - TOP

WFTS ABC: Sarasota Florida Muslim House Attacked and Burned
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-Me4ykDG8E
WTVT FOX: Florida Muslim Home Set on Fire, Hate Messages Left
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FomPoGlSzWQ

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MA: HEBREW CENTER LECTURE PROMOTES EXTREME VIEWS - TOP
Mike Seccombe, Martha’s Vineyard Gazette, 7/13/07
http://www.mvgazette.com/news/2007/07/13/hebrew_center_lecture.php

The White House, the American Civil Liberties Union, that "idiot" the British Prime Minister, the United Nations, the FBI, CIA, State Department, New York Times, Washington Post, National Public Radio, CNN, and the Internal Revenue Service.

It's not often you hear them - and a lot of other governments and organizations as well - lumped together as part of the same problem.

But they were on Wednesday night when self-made counterterrorism expert Steve Emerson addressed the Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center Summer Institute, as the first of their speakers for 2007.

All the above-mentioned parties were, to some degree or other, put forward as dupes of an international Islamic terrorist movement by Mr. Emerson. Titled Defending the Homeland, his talk might equally have been called The End of Hope.

Not everyone he mentioned came out of it badly. He enumerated some half-dozen Islamic leaders around the nation and the world whom he did not consider extremists. But then he said they had no constituencies. And he lauded the Fox News network as intellectually honest.

Given Betsy Sheer's stated intent as the new chairman of the summer institute to bring more controversy to the speaker series, the first night could be counted as a success.

She introduced Mr. Emerson as being neither shy and retiring nor tactful, and he lived up to the billing. He was combative with questioners and unambiguous in his pronouncements.

He also had requested no press coverage.

Mr. Emerson is the executive director of the Investigative Project, a data gathering center on Islamic groups, and the author of several books and documentaries on the threat posed by Islamic extremism.

He said he first got into the business of counterterrorism on Christmas Day 1992, when he happened upon a meeting in downtown Oklahoma City of thousands of Islamic activists.

"What I stumbled into was something the FBI had not even realized was taking place," he told the audience. "It was a radical Islamic conference, boasting representatives of every radical terrorist organization, from Hamas to Islamic Jihad to the precursor to al Qaeda."

But he said he could not interest the FBI, or his employer at the time (CNN), or the Washington Post in his story. (MORE)

SEE ALSO:

CONSERVATIVE LEADER TO SPEAK ON 'ISLAMOPHOBIA' PANEL - TOP

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - On Tuesday, July 17, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) will host a panel discussion at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., entitled "Attacking Islam: Implications for Social Cohesion and U.S. Relations with the Muslim World."

The panel will address the increasing anti-Muslim rhetoric within the conservative movement in the United States, focusing on the negative impact of such views on religious tolerance in America and on relations with the Muslim world.

Presenters:

* David Keene, President, American Conservative Union
* Parvez Ahmed, Chairman, Council on American-Islamic Relations

WHEN: Tuesday, July 17, 2007, 9:30 - 11 a.m.
WHERE: Holeman Lounge, National Press Club, Washington, D.C.

Refreshments will be served. Admission is free but seating is limited and reservations are required. Please RSVP via e-mail to events@cair.com or call 202-742-6409.

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: CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Rabiah Ahmed, 202-488-8787 or 202-439-1441, E-Mail: rahmed@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

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MN: IMAMS' LAWYER GETS SECOND DEATH THREAT - TOP
Tad Vezner, Pioneer Press, 7/14/07
http://www.twincities.com/ci_6370816?IADID=Search-www.twincities.

com-www.twincities.com&nclick_check=1

An attorney representing six imams suing US Airways and some airline passengers after they were removed from a Twin Cities flight last fall has received a second death threat mailed from Minnesota.

Omar Mohammedi, of New York, received the first letter in April, postmarked in St. Paul. The second letter also originated from Minnesota, according to a news release sent by the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which is supporting the lawsuit. The FBI has been notified of both letters. (MORE)

SEE ALSO:

CAIR: BREAKING: IMAMS' LAWYER RECEIVES SECOND DEATH THREAT - TOP
Abdi Aynte, Minnesota Monitor, 7/13/07
http://www.minnesotamonitor.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2062

For the second time in few months, the attorney for the six Muslim Imams who were removed from a Minneapolis flight last year has received this week a death threat sent from Minnesota.

Among other threats, the party responsible for the letter warns the attorney that they "can use [rocket propelled grenade] rounds on [his] vehicle, sniper rounds, shaped explosives or even non-traceable colorless and tasteless food activities."

Speaking from his New York office, the lawyer, Omar Mohammedi said "This is a terrorist threat and should be treated like that."

Unlike the first threat, which was sent by a party calling itself "American Jihad," Mohammedi said this one is sent by an anonymous party.

What's particularly disturbing about the second threat, Mohammedi noted, is that it shows a precision and intent to harm. The writer makes reference to a recent order by a federal judge who turned down Mohammedi's request to limit public access to the case.

Two weeks ago, Judge Ann Montgomery wrote to Mohammedi that "it's regrettable that anonymous individuals have threatened violence," but assured him that the United States Courthouse in Minneapolis will be secured by guards.

The letter, postmarked on July 7, seems to address the judge's statement.

"Who cares if the Federal courthouse is secure (which it really is not)," the letter read. "At a time of our choosing we will find you. And we will visit each and every one of your plaintiffs whom we have heard speak. They have been ranked in order of importance as targets. . .And finally let's not forget about the families at home while you and your plaintiffs are away. . .women and children are fair game. . .you will be spared from an anonymous death."

Five of Mohammedi's clients live in Arizona while the sixth lives in California.

"As disturbing as the threats sound, it wouldn't prevent me from doing the right thing," Mohammedi said.

In statement, the Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the threat. (MORE)

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CAIR-OH: WOMEN TOLD TO DROP SCARVES - TOP
Sharon Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7/13/07
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200707

14/NEWS01/707140395/1077/COL02

Two suburban Cincinnati Muslim women were wrongly asked to remove head scarves before their driver's license photos were taken.

When made aware of the gaffe in late May, the Ohio Department of Public Safety sent an e-mail to the state's 216 registrar offices reminding them that head coverings worn for religious and medical reasons are allowed in such photos - though nothing can cover a person's facial features.

The registrar's offices in Loveland and Mason, where the forced removal happened, retook the photos for free.

Some Muslim women wear head coverings, also known as hijabs, as expressions of their faith and modesty. Asking a Muslim woman to remove her head scarf is akin to asking her to remove her shirt, said Karen Dabdoub, the executive director of the Cincinnati office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which revealed the incidents this week.

Dabdoub contacted the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles on the women's behalf May 29 after Mariam Bashir told her in passing she was forced to take her driver's license photo without a head scarf, not realizing the forced removal violated state regulations.

"I'm sure this has happened many times before," Dabdoub said. (MORE)

SEE ALSO:

CAIR-SAN DIEGO HELPS MUSLIM WOMAN RETAKE DRIVER'S LICENSE PHOTO - TOP

(SAN DIEGO, CA, 7/13/2007) – The San Diego office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) announced today that a local Muslim woman will be able to have her driver’s license photograph retaken with her Islamic headscarf, or hijab, after initially being asked to show some of her hair.

CAIR-San Diego says that yesterday afternoon, an employee at the Poway office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) had insisted that the woman pull back her headscarf and show some of her hair for her driver’s license photographs, despite California regulations that allow for religiously mandated head covering, requiring only that the whole face be shown.

SEE: Most States Allow Muslim Scarves in Driver Photos (CAIR)
http://www.cair.com/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=1361&theType=NR

CAIR-San Diego contacted the DMV and arranged for the woman’s photograph to be retaken and for the DMV employee to apologize to the woman and be reprimanded for giving her inaccurate information.

DMV authorities also received a copy the CAIR report, “Religious Accommodation in Driver's License Photographs: A review of codes, policies, and practices in the 50 states,” to remind employees of this regulation.

“We thank the Poway office of the DMV for resolving this issue in an expedient manner,” said Edgar Hopida, public relations director of CAIR-San Diego.

CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy 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: Edgar Hopida, Tel: 619-913-0719, E-Mail: ehopida@cair.com

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CAIR-CA: MUSLIM YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE - TOP

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA), presents the 3rd Annual Leadership & Empowerment Conference as part of the Muslim Youth Leadership Program.

WHAT: An annual conference for high school students to acquaint themselves with California state legislators, other elected officials and key Capitol staff. Students will serve as senators debating on various public policy issues and prepare bills for the Mock Legislature on State Senate floor.

Learn the tools to sharpen your skills and become a leader in your community. Analyze the role of media and how to make an impact. Serve as Senator for a day and debate important public policy issues ranging from education, health care to immigration.

Only 10 scholarships are available for the Sacramento Valley Area! All housing, food, and travel will be provided by CAIR-CA, $750 value.

WHEN: August 16 - 19

APPLY NOW: visit www.cair-mylp.com . All applications are due by Monday, July 16, 2007

MORE: Contact us at 916-441-6269 or E-Mail: bmarmosh@cair.com

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CAIR: NOT IN THE NAME OF ISLAM, OR OF MEDICINE - TOP
ASMA MOBIN-UDDIN, Religion News Service, 7/13/07
http://religionnews.com/

(Dr. Asma Mobin-Uddin is a pediatrician from Columbus, Ohio, and the board chairwoman for the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.)

The thought of physicians treating sick patients by the light of day while plotting to kill innocent people under the cover of darkness sickens and angers me on a very personal level.

If the accusations surrounding terror suspects in London and Glasgow are true, these Muslim doctors represent the ultimate betrayal of the trust placed in physicians to use their hands for healing, their intellects for diagnosis, and their demeanors to bring comfort to the sick.

As a Muslim physician myself, I am following the investigation with equal parts incredulity, anger and outrage.

Islam teaches me that the gifts I have been given are entrusted to me by God for the purpose of serving humanity. I know that God is witness to my actions and intentions and I will be accountable for them. The Quranic verse that equates saving one life with saving the lives of all of humanity teaches me the sacredness of each and every life and inspires me to strive for professional excellence.

Any Muslim doctor who would plot terror betrays his or her faith, profession, and the incredible legacy Muslim physicians have left in the field of medicine. Historically, Muslim physicians from the ninth to the 14th centuries were pioneers in the development of many areas of medicine, including in anesthesia, surgery, ophthalmology, pharmacology and others.

Muslim physicians were the first to systematically use inhalational anesthesia, sedating patients 800 years ago in Spain by placing sponges soaked in narcotics over the patient's nose and mouth before surgery. Muslim doctors introduced urinary catheters to the West, used cautery to stop bleeding and ligated blood vessels using cat-gut suture in the 10th century.

They developed the hypodermic needle and used these hollow needles to suction out cataracts 1,000 years before this practice was performed in the West. Muslim pharmaceutical texts from this era explained the preparation, uses, doses and side effects of medications and formed the basis for later European drug manuals.

Medical knowledge from the work of early Muslim physicians was translated from Arabic into Latin and channeled into Europe during the Crusades and after. Muslim doctor Ibn Sina's Canon of Medicine was the premier medical textbook in Europe for more than 500 years. The wealth of knowledge introduced from the work of Muslim physicians into Europe sparked interest in medical scientific inquiry and fueled the Renaissance.

And lest we think that the contributions of Islam's physicians ended 500 years ago, we should remember the countless Muslim physicians in recent times who have served their patients in the West with the utmost kindness, compassion and skill. (MORE)

SEE ALSO:

CAIR: THE LONDON AND GLASGOW TERROR PLOT BY MUSLIM PHYSICIANS IS DISTURBING - TOP
Asma Mobin-Uddin, Cleveland Plain Dealer, 7/13/07
http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/othercolumns/index

.ssf?/base/opinion/1184317010103740.xml&coll=2

[Mobin-Uddin is a pediatrician from Columbus and the board chairwoman for the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. She did her residency training in pediatrics at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland.]

The thought of physicians treating sick patients by the light of day while plotting to kill innocent people under the cover of darkness sickens and angers me on a personal level. If these accusations are true, they are the ultimate betrayal of the trust placed in physicians to use their hands for healing, their intellects for diagnosis and their demeanors to bring comfort to the sick. As a Muslim physician, I am following the London and Glasgow, Scotland, terror plot investigation with incredulity, anger and outrage. (MORE)

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U.S. SENATE RESOLUTION SUPPORTS MUSLIM DOCTORS - TOP

S.RES.272
Title: A resolution praising Muslim-American physicians who condemned recent attempted terrorist acts in the United Kingdom.
Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 7/13/2007)
Cosponsors (1)
Latest Major Action: 7/13/2007 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

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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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