News, September 2007
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Editorial Note: The following news reports are summaries from original sources. They may also include corrections of Arabic names and political terminology. Comments are in parentheses. |
Virginia physician Esam Omeish targeted in a smearing campaign by Zionist Islamophobes led by Steve Emerson
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/29/07) –
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
today offered moral support to a Virginia physician who is under attack
from “Islamophobes who seek to demonize and marginalize the mainstream
Muslim community and its leaders.”
Dr. Esam Omeish, national leader of the Muslim American Society (MAS),
was forced to resign from a Virginia immigration commission yesterday
after being subjected to what he called a “smear campaign” by
anti-Islam bloggers and Muslim-bashers like Steven Emerson who distorted
past comments he made about Israel’s brutal treatment of the Palestinian
people and about “jihad.”
[Note: “Jihad” is a broad Islamic concept that, despite being abused
by some extremists, does not justify terrorism in any form. It includes
struggle against evil inclinations within oneself, struggle to improve the
quality of life in society, struggle in the battlefield for self-defense
(e.g., - having a standing army for national defense), or fighting against
tyranny or oppression.]
SEE: Va.
Muslim Activist Denies Urging Violence (Washington Post)
In a statement of support, CAIR said:
“The scurrilous smear campaign against Dr. Omeish is only the latest
episode in a sustained effort by a vocal minority of Islamophobes who seek
to demonize and marginalize the mainstream Muslim community and its
leaders.
“These hate-mongers target any Muslim individual or institution seeking
to offer an Islamic perspective on issues of importance to our society. It
is a dirty political game in which our entire society is the loser.
“Unfortunately, the hysteria that has been created about ‘jihad’ and
the fear generated by the domestic lobby in support of Israel’s
Apartheid-like polices only serve to preclude reasoned public discussion
once this type of smear campaign has been initiated.
“At the same time that we see a respected community leader and physician
forced to resign an appointed post, we see national politicians claiming
there are too many mosques in America, demanding that the Quran not be
used to swear in the first Muslim congressman and suggesting that Islamic
holy sites be bombed.
“We also see an advisor to a major presidential candidate support the
internment of Japanese-Americans in World War II and advocate the
‘razing’ of Palestinian villages. Another presidential candidate has
expressed discomfort about a Muslim in the White House.
SEE: John McCain: Constitution
Established a 'Christian Nation' (Beliefnet)
“None of these individuals has been forced to step down from their
respective positions.
“If we are to remain an inclusive society that respects differences of
faith and political opinion, we must move beyond the tactics of fear-based
intimidation and exclusion.”
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.
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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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