ACTION CENTER

(Aug 17, 2010 - New Jersey ) 

ACTION REQUESTED: Thank both MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann and Comedy Central’s Jon Stewart for their support of Muslim religious and civil rights.

Watch Keith Olbermann: There is no ‘Ground Zero Mosque’

In A Special Comment, Countdown’s Keith Olbermann explains the misnomer and danger in calling it “The Ground Zero Mosque.” Olbermann clarifies the misconceptions around the community center.

Send a note of thanks to Olbermann:  Countdown@msnbc.com, KOlbermann@msnbc.com
Copy to: info@cair.com

Watch Jon Stewart Mock Islamophobia:  Mosque-erade

Send a note of thanks to Stewart through: http://www.comedycentral.com/help/questionsCC.jhtml
Copy to: info@cair.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR-NJ Thanks Governor for Islamophobia Warning

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 8/17/2010)—The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today thanked New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for cautioning the GOP against using the controversy over a Manhattan Islamic community center to paint “all of Islam” with the brush of terrorism.

At a bill signing ceremony yesterday, Governor Christie recognized the respect that should be given to families of 9-11 victims, then warned: “But it would be wrong to so overreact to that, that we paint Islam with a brush of radical Muslim extremists.”

SEE: Chris Christie Warns GOP on Mosque (Politico)

“We applaud Governor Christie for cautioning against painting all Muslims as extremists,” said CAIR-NJ Executive Director James Yee. “We hope his balanced remarks will help stem the rising tide of Islamophobia in our society and help unify our nation.”

Send a note of thanks to Gov. Christie through: http://www.state.nj.us/governor/contact/

Copy to: info@cair.com

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-NJ Executive Director James Yee, 908-668-5900 or 908-938-5990; E-Mail: jyee@cair.com, CAIR-NJ Chairman Ahmed Al Shehab, E-Mail: aalshehab@cair.com

(Aug 04, 2010 - New York, NY) 

CAIR-New York is calling on American Muslims and others who support freedom of religion to thank Mayor Michael Bloomberg for a speech he gave yesterday defending the rights of Muslims and other Americans to build houses of worship.

The address came shortly after New York’s Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously against granting protected status to a building in lower Manhattan, which would have impacted plans to build a community center that would include a mosque in its place. A campaign opposing the right to build the community center sought to use the landmark process to block its construction.

Video: CAIR-NY Rep Discusses Islamic Center Proposal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV3JFP4Uvps

SEE ALSO: Mosque Opponents Zero In On Bloomberg
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/08/03/commission-to-vote-on-ground-zero-mosque-tuesday/

In his remarks on Governors Island, Mayor Bloomberg spoke about the history of religious minorities in New York City, recounting the struggles of Jewish, Quaker and Catholic communities to establish their right to worship freely.

Speaking of the mosque issue, he said: “I believe that this is an important test of the separation of church and state as we may see in our lifetime - as important a test - and it is critically important that we get it right.”

“...[I]t is my hope that the mosque will help to bring our City even closer together and help repudiate the false and repugnant idea that the attacks of 9/11 were in any way consistent with Islam. Muslims are as much a part of our City and our country as the people of any faith and they are as welcome to worship in Lower Manhattan as any other group.”

You can read Mayor Bloomberg’s entire speech here.

“We thank Mayor Bloomberg for seeing through the anti-Muslim smears and divisive political tactics that have clouded this issue,” said CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif. “By clearly supporting equal treatment and freedom of worship, Mayor Bloomberg has taken a principled stand that is true to the essence of our Constitution.”

Latif cited a recent statement from a group of Jewish leaders in support of the Islamic center as part of the interfaith response to the mosque opposition campaign.

SEE: Jewish Leaders Support Mosque at Tip of Manhattan
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/arthur_waskow/2010/08/support_mosque_at_tip_of_manhattan_urge_adl_to_change_its_stance.html

SEE ALSO: Do Muslims Have Equal Rights?
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/john_esposito/2010/08/do_muslims_have_equal_rights.html

ACTION REQUESTED: Contact Mayor Bloomberg and thank him for speaking up for freedom of religion.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg
City Hall
New York, NY 10007

Phone: 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK outside NYC)
Fax: (212) 312-0700
E-Mail: mbloomberg@cityhall.nyc.gov

(Jul 16, 2010 - ANAHEIM, CA) 

The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today praised Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) and the 56 other House members, including six from Southern California, who introduced and co-sponsored the End Racial Profiling Act of 2010 (ERPA).

SEE: Conyers, Nadler Introduce Legislation to End Racial Profiling

Congressman Nadler (D-NY) said of the bill: “The End Racial Profiling Act will ban the discriminatory and unconstitutional use of racial profiling and provide law enforcement officers with the tools they need to develop more effective practices that do not result in racial profiling.”
A recent congressional hearing, at which CAIR submitted written testimony for the record, made clear the need to end the practice of racial profiling.

SEE: Hearing on: Racial Profiling and the Use of Suspect Classifications in Law Enforcement Policy

CAIR Statement on Racial Profiling and the Use of Suspect Classifications in Law Enforcement Policy
http://www.cair.com/portals/0/pdf/Racial-Profiling-Testimony.pdf

This week, CAIR-LA along with national and local civil rights group, held a community-based hearing in which those adversely affected by racial profiling offered testimonies.

SEE: CAIR-LA co-hosts Racial Profiling Hearing with Local & National Civil Rights Groups

“Racial profiling, in addition to being a discredited practice, is highly ineffective,” said CAIR-LA Government Relations Coordinator Ilham Elkoustaf. “From a law enforcement perspective, when officers focus on what people look like or what religion they practice, it puts us all at risk because it wastes resources and diverts law enforcement authorities away from focusing on legitimate threats. “

Presidents Obama and Bush both spoke against the use of racial profiling. The International Association of Chiefs of Polices also opposes the practice.

Six Southern California Congress members were among the 56 House members who co-sponsored the End Racial Profiling Act.CAIR-LA urges its members to thank these Representatives for their support of legislation that will play a critical role in eliminating profiling based on race, religion, ethnicity, and national origin.

ACTIONS REQUESTED:

1.    Contact your Representative and thank him/her for co-sponsoring the End Racial Profiling Act of 2010.

2.    Inform your friends and family by forwarding this action alert to them and ask them to do the same.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CO-SPONSORS OF END RACIAL PROFILING ACT:

Howard Berman, (D, 28th District)

Lois Capps (D, 23rd District)

Judy Chu (D, 32nd District)

Grace Napolitano (D, 38th District)

Linda Sanchez (D, 39th District)

Maxine Waters (D, 35th District)

(Jul 09, 2010 - Washington, D.C) 

CAIR today issued an advisory to American Muslims—whether citizens, permanent residents or visa holders—warning of the risk of “forced exile” when traveling overseas or attempting to return to the United States. Muslim travelers are urged to know their legal rights if they are placed on the so-called “no-fly list.”

In the past few months, CAIR has received a number of reports of American Muslims stranded overseas when they are placed on the government’s no-fly list. Those barred from returning to the United States report being denied proper legal representation, being subjected to FBI pressure tactics to give up the constitutionally-guaranteed right to remain silent, having their passports confiscated without due process, and being pressured to become informants for the FBI. These individuals have not been told why they were placed on the no-fly list or how to remove their names from the list.

SEE: Cases of American Muslims Barred from U.S.
http://tinyurl.com/3y5uu8f

SEE: American Man in Limbo on No-Fly List (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/16/world/middleeast/16yemen.html

SEE: U.S. Muslims Facing Problems in Return from Abroad (Wash. Post)
http://tinyurl.com/ye8ymru

FBI agents have reportedly told a number of individuals that they face being stranded outside the United States longer, or forever, unless they give up their rights to legal representation or to refuse interrogations and polygraph tests. But even those who submitted to interrogations without an attorney or to the “lie detector” tests remain stranded.

CAIR cooperated with the ACLU on its recently-filed lawsuit challenging the lack of due process in placing travelers on the no-fly list.

SEE: ACLU Files Lawsuit Challenging Unconstitutional ‘No Fly List’
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aclu-files-lawsuit-challenging-unconstitutional-no-fly-list-97509214.html

“We ask President Obama to review this disturbing new policy that denies American Muslims their constitutional rights and due process of law,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

He said American Muslims strongly support law enforcement and the protection of our national security. And as Americans, we also value the civil rights of every individual. All Americans have the constitutional right to due process and to re-enter their own country.

If you know of any criminal activity, it is both your religious and civic duty to immediately report such activity to local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Know Your Rights if Placed on the No-Fly List:

[IMPORTANT NOTE: Before traveling overseas, obtain the cell phone number of an attorney who would be available for consultation if you are barred from returning to the United States. Contacting an attorney once you have been stopped or detained is much more difficult. Provide the attorney’s contact information to those scheduled to pick you up at the airport.]

1) Understand that agreeing to an interview with FBI agents is strictly voluntary. You are not obligated under law to answer any questions from law enforcement officers. You must however provide them with a passport or other official identification.

2) You may choose to have an attorney accompany or represent you for any interview or questioning. CAIR strongly recommends that you consult with an attorney before being interviewed by law enforcement agents. CAIR may provide legal assistance or can refer you to an attorney.

3) Stay calm. Do not get into an argument with law enforcement officers.

4) Note that anything you say to an agent or officer can be used against you in a court of law, and that lying to an agent or officer is a criminal offense. Also note that an FBI agent is permitted to lie to you in the course of an interrogation.

5) Should you decide to speak to agents without an attorney despite the risks, note that you may set the conditions of the interview, including choosing when and where the interview is to take place, whether a third party such as a family member is present, which questions to answer, and refusing to sign any documents. You may cancel the interview at any time. Take detailed notes during any interview.

6) Be sure to get the names, agencies, badge numbers and business cards of ALL agents or officers. Similarly, make a note of the name, agency, contact information, and supervisor of any other government employees, including embassy staff.

7) Contact your attorney and CAIR to report the incident and to discuss your next legal steps. If you believe that your civil rights have been or are being violated, you may file a complaint with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and with the Department of State. CAIR can help you with this process.

8) To file a civil rights complaint with CAIR, please visit: http://www.cair.com/FileaComplaint.aspx

9) If you have Internet access, file a complaint with DHS TRIP by going to: www.dhs.gov/trip

10) Have your spouse or other family members contact your elected representatives to seek assistance.

MORE RESOURCES:

“FBI Interview: Knowing the Law Can Protect You,” by Ahilan Arulanantham and Ranjana Natarajan. InFocus News, February 2007.
http://www.infocusnews.net/content/view/1036/200/

Video: “Got Rights: Protect Yourself and Your Family at Home and at the Airport,” by Muslim Advocates. http://www.muslimadvocates.org/get_involved/got_rights.html

[Please note: The points outlined above are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Should you have any questions about this material or about a specific case, please consult with an attorney.]

(Jun 29, 2010 - Bay Area, CA) 

Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Thousand Oaks, introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 117, which declares California’s support of Israel’s deadly May 31 attack on the Freedom Flotilla. The bill also affirms the state’s support of Israel’s siege on Gaza and its “right to protect and defend itself.”

The Freedom Flotilla, a fleet of nine vessels bound for Gaza with more than 10,000 pounds of donated humanitarian and medical supplies, was attacked by Israel while in international waters. Nine unarmed humanitarian activists were killed; several others were injured. Israeli commandoes arrested and detained the nearly 800 surviving activists. Sen. Strickland calls these peace-loving civil resistance volunteers “terrorists.”

“Israel has every right to ensure their country and their people are kept safe from terrorists. ...Just like every other country in the world, Israel has the absolute right to defend itself,” Strickland said in a press release.

“That Sen. Strickland would compare these unarmed, humanitarian activists to terrorists is unconscionable,” said Dr. Hatem Bazian, chairman of American Muslims for Palestine and professor of near eastern and ethnic studies at the University of California, Berkeley. “What Mr. Strickland is doing is taking the focus off of Israel’s illegal actions in international waters that resulted in the deaths of nine innocent people and the illegal detention of hundreds more. It is unthinkable that in the land of freedom and justice, we would have an elected official that would not only praise such rogue behavior but would sponsor a bill officially sanctioning it.”

See Full Action for Suggested Action and Talking Points: California senator introduces bill supporting Israel’s attack on Freedom Flotilla

(Jun 07, 2010 - ANAHEIM, CA) 

As part of its voter education initiative, the California Office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) is offering below a summary of the five ballot initiatives which will appear on the California primary election ballot on Tuesday, June 8, 2010. 

Due to the nature of the measures and the fact that they do not present clear civil rights implications nor do they promote or challenge moral principles as reflected in CAIR-CA’s mission, we have not taken a formal position on the five measures. 

We present this summary, based on official voting material produced by the state of California as well as other sources, to our members as a research tool.

We also urge our members to do their own research and familiarize themselves with the ballot measures before heading to the polls on Tuesday. 

To access the CAIR-CA California Propositions Summary, please visit here. 

For more information on the Propositions, visit here as well as here.

To find your polling station, please visit here.

CONTACT

Ilham Elkoustaf
Government Relations Coordinator, CAIR-LA
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
T 714-776-1847

For more information, please contact our office at 714-776-1847.

(May 18, 2010 - ANAHEIM, CA) 

The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) said today that CAIR offices nationwide have been receiving an increasing number of reports of FBI agents, along with local law enforcement and Department of Homeland Security officers, visiting and interviewing American Muslims, particularly members of the Pakistani community. Reports received by CAIR-LA describe visits by the FBI as “community outreach” visits.

Considering recent events, and the increase in FBI/Joint Terrorism Task Force-related (JTTF, including officers from the Department of Homeland Security and local police or sheriff departments) incidents reported to our office, it is important that Muslims understand their rights when visited by FBI/JTTF at their home or workplace:

1) Understand that your providing information to the FBI or any law enforcement, absent a subpoena, is strictly voluntary. You are not obligated under law to answer any of law enforcement’s questions, other than giving your name and sometimes your address.

2) You may choose to have an attorney accompany or represent you for any interview or questioning. We strongly recommend you consult with an attorney regarding the risks and benefits of being interviewed by law enforcement in your specific case. CAIR-LA may provide legal assistance, or can refer you to an attorney.

3) If an FBI/JTTF agent shows up at your home or workplace, and they do not have a search or arrest warrant, you have no obligation to let them in.

4) If they do have an arrest or search warrant, you can still exercise your right to remain silent. Comply with all directives and do not physically resist an officer. Be polite and respectful at all times. Remember that you retain the right to remain silent and do not have to comment or respond to any inquiries. You also have the right to an attorney.

5) If an agent or officer says they have some questions for you, you have the right to refuse to speak to them and/or you may tell the agents or officers that you will have your attorney contact them if they wish to speak to you. Again, CAIR-LA may provide legal assistance, or can refer you to an attorney.

6) Note that anything you say to an agent or officer can be used against you in a court of law, and lying to an agent or officer is a criminal offense.

7) Should you decide to speak to agents alone despite the risks, note that you may set the conditions of the interview, including choosing when and where the interview is to take place, having a third party present such as a family member or community leader, and deciding what questions to answer, and refusing to sign any documents. You may cancel the interview at any time.

8) Be sure to get the names, agencies, badge numbers, and business cards of ALL agents or officers.

9) Contact your attorney and/or CAIR-LA to report the interview/incident and to discuss next steps. If you feel that your civil rights were violated, you may also file a complaint with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. CAIR-LA can help you with this process.

10) To file a complaint with CAIR-LA, please go here

MORE RESOURCES:

1. “FBI Interview: Knowing the law can protect you,” by Ahilan Arulanantham and Ranjana Natarajan. InFocus News.

2. VIDEO: “Got Rights: Protect yourself and your family at home and at the airport,“by Muslim Advocates.

3. To file a complaint with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, go to DOJ Civil Rights Page

American Muslims strongly support law enforcement and the protection of our national security. As Americans, we also value the civil rights of every individual. All Americans have the constitutional right of due process and to be politically active.

If you know of any criminal activity taking place in your community, it is both your religious and civic duty to immediately report such activity to local and federal law enforcement agencies.

[Please note: This above is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Should you have any questions about the material herein or about a specific case, please consult with your attorney.]

CONTACT: CAIR-Los Angeles, 714-776-1847, E-mail: info@losangeles.cair.com

(May 11, 2010 - ANAHEIM, CA) 

The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations today called on its members and all communities of conscience to contact Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and State legislators to let them know that there is no place in our society for another SB 1070. Recently passed in Arizona, SB 1070 sanctions racial profiling under the guise of curbing illegal immigration.

On April 23rd, Arizona Governor, Jan Brewer signed SB 1070 into law.  The law institutionalizes racial profiling, as it requires every police officer in Arizona to stop and question anyone whom they deem to be an undocumented immigrant based on nebulously defined “reasonable suspicion.”

The law is vague about what exactly would trigger a “reasonable suspicion” and it seems highly unlikely that there is any race-neutral criterion to identify who is in the United States legally and who is not. The practical effect of the law will likely result in officers engaging in racial profiling by questioning and detaining individuals based on their race and ethnicity. The only way for individuals to avoid arrest is to provide government-issued identification to prove their legal status. In one case, officers have gone so far as to demand an individual’s birth certificate.

Additionally, the Los Angeles City Council voted to boycott Arizona over SB 1070.

SEE: Los Angeles to Boycott Arizona over Immigration Law (BBC News)

SEE: Arizona goes over the edge (NY Times editorial)

SB 1070 is an incredibly ill-advised law that raises questions about its constitutionality as well as the legality of sanctioning what amounts to racial profiling. The law will further erode trust between local law enforcement and impacted communities. Moreover, SB 1070 is already setting a dangerous national precedent by inspiring other states such as Minnesota and South Carolina to enact similar legislation. Other states including Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma and Utah are also reportedly looking into similar legislation. If more and more states adopt similar legislation, immigrant and minority communities will have to bear the alarming consequences as racial profiling will become the norm, enshrined as state law.

SEE: Stay Away from Arizona (Truthdig)

The Arizona law has been challenged, since its passage. A police officer, who sued the state over SB 1070, asks in the suit that local law enforcement be exempt from enforcing the state’s new immigration law because the law will “seriously impede law enforcement investigations and facilitate the successful commission of crimes.” Additionally, the city councils of Flagstaff and Tucson have voted to sue the state over SB 1070. Organizations such as the ACLU and MALDEF are also gearing up to challenge the draconian law. 

Now is the time for us, as concerned citizens who value our constitutional principles, to take a stand and prevent the spread of this extreme and deeply flawed law. While there are presently no immediate plans to introduce such a law into California, a firm rejection of SB 1070 will prevent it from spreading to our state and others. Even if you think that your State legislators are opposed to SB 1070, it is still beneficial for them to hear from constituents that a dangerous racial profiling law will not be tolerated.

ACTION REQUESTED:

1. Contact Governor Schwarzenegger:
          http://gov.ca.gov/interact#contact

2. Contact both State Assembly members and State Senators by clicking on the link below:
          http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html (click on your lawmaker’s name to get additional contact info)

3. Inform your friends and family by forwarding this action alert to them and ask them to do the same.

TALKING POINTS:

a. SB 1070 is against our Constitutional values of equality and pluralism.
b. SB 1070 will encourage racial profiling of immigrant and minority communities.
c. SB 1070 could erode trust between minority communities and law enforcement officers and negatively impact crime-reporting.
d. We Don’t Want SB 1070 in California! Instead, we want comprehensive immigration reform that preserves human dignity and respect.

Please see below a sample letter that could be sent to the Governor and State Lawmakers:

Dear [Governor/State Senator/Assemblymember]

I am writing to express my disappointment and concern over Arizona’s recent immigration law, SB 1070. This law is highly discriminatory and is at odds with the principles of the U.S. Constitution. SB 1070 practically compels police officers to engage in racial profiling. I do not wish to see such a law adopted in my home state of California.

SB 1070 requires every police officer in Arizona to ask individuals for documentation proving their immigration status if the officer has a “reasonable suspicion” that they are in the country unlawfully. The law, however, does not define what will trigger a “reasonable suspicion” and leaves too great of a possibility for officers to fall back on race-based criteria. To avoid arrest, citizens and non-citizens will effectively have to carry documentation of their immigration status with them at all times.

Racial profiling is not only illegal, but it potentially erodes trust between law enforcement and impacted communities. Arizona’s SB 1070 is a dangerous law which threatens civil rights, and it has already inspired similar efforts in other states. As a concerned citizen, I reiterate that I vehemently oppose any effort to adopt similar legislation in California.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Our community is counting on you! The roads we drive on, our schools, hospitals, and other services in our area all receive federal funding based on local Census numbers. The number of representatives our State has in Congress is based on Census numbers too. Everyone in our community is counting on you to get our fair share of funding and political representation.

It’s easy; the form has only 10 questions, and your answers are kept confidential. So if you haven’t already, please fill out your 2010 Census form and mail it back today!

If you received a Census form at home, and you DO NOT mail it back by FRIDAY, APRIL 30th, you will be visited at home by a census taker - several times, if necessary - to ensure that every household is counted. Make your life easier and save taxpayer dollars - Mail your form back by Friday!

Not sure HOW to fill out the form? The Census Bureau has provided a video that walks you through it. To watch it in Arabic , go to http://www.youtube.com,/watch?v=kg6stJDhAIM . Other languages are available too, at www.2010census.gov.

About the Race question: Check “Some Other Race” and write in how you identify yourself, as “Arab”, “Egyptian”, “Palestinian”, “Pakistani”, “Iranian”, etc. 

If you have not received a census form in the mail, or think you were left off your household’s census form, you can pick up a new form at a Questionnaire Assistance Center near you. Find the closest location at   http://2010.census.gov,/2010census/take10map/ .

Already completed and returned your form?  Thanks! Take a minute to remind your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. You can see what percentage of the households in your neighborhood have already responded at http://2010.census.gov,/2010census/take10map/

Informational materials about the census are available in 28 languages, including Arabic, Urdu, Farsi, at http://2010.census.gov,/partners/materials/inlangfacts.php

If you have other questions, call the national helpline at 1-866-872-6868 or Rashad Al-Dabbagh, Partnership Specialist at 714-936-7203 or rashad.z.al-dabbagh@census.gov.

Census 2010:  It’s in OUR Hands!  Mail it back BY FRIDAY!

REMEMBER: Any household that does not mail a completed census form back by Friday WILL be visited by a “Non-Response Follow-up Enumerator” sometime during May or early June.

(ANAHEIM, CA, 4/29/10)—The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today called on American Muslims and people of conscience to ask Sinai Temple in Los Angeles to drop an anti-Islam speaker who is scheduled to appear tonight at the synagogue.

SEE: Sinai Temple Announcement of Lecture by Brigitte Gabriel

CAIR-LA said the speaker, Brigitte Gabriel, heads the hate group ACT! for America and has stated that Muslims should not be allowed to hold public office, that an American Muslim “cannot be a loyal citizen” and that Islam is the “real enemy.” She has also claimed that Arabs “have no soul” and that Muslims worship “something they call ‘Allah,’ which is very different from the God we believe [in].”

SEE: A Case Study in Sincere Hyprocrisy: Brigitte Gabriel

Brigitte Gabriel Says Arabs Have No Souls

One of ACT! for America’s Florida representatives recently bragged in a YouTube video that he desecrated the Quran, Islam’s revealed text, and urinates in the washing stations Muslims use to perform their ritual ablutions (wudu) for prayer. Gabriel has not repudiated those in her group who produced and distributed the video.

SEE: ACT! for America Fla. Rep Brags of Desecrating Quran

In a letter sent to Rabbi Wolpe today, Ayloush wrote: “Imagine how hurt the Jewish community members would be, and rightly so, if they heard of a mosque or church hosting an anti-Semitic speaker who demonizes Judaism as a religion and its followers.  Religious leaders and houses of worship should promote tolerance and mutual understanding, not the type of hatred and bigotry spread by fear-mongers like Brigitte Gabriel. Sinai Temple has the right to host any speaker, including an anti-Muslim bigot, but we hope the synagogue would also feel a sense of responsibility to act in a manner that does not harm relations between faith communities or give aid and comfort to those who demonize a religious minority.”

Ayloush said 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.”

Gabriel has also 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.”

Act! for America states in its “educational” materials content that sounds very similar to the anti-Semitic “Protocols of the Elders of Zion”:

“Muslims have been using propaganda as part of their wars of conquest for almost 1400 years. It is a key strategy to prepare unwilling populations to submit to Islam. One of the most difficult aspects of defending America from Islamist intentions is its multifaceted nature. It is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing…

“The Qur’an and Islamic law clearly state that all Muslims have a moral, religious and legal obligation to wage holy war against all infidels until this 7th century ideology is the only religion on Earth…

“Their mastery of propaganda is based on Islamic law and religious doctrine that state that Muslims have a duty to lie to nonbelievers in order to defeat them and subjugate them to Islam…

“When Muslims make up only a small minority of a nation’s population, they wage stealth jihad. This approach allows them to infiltrate a country without setting off any alarms. Their goal is to prepare the country for the next stage of jihad. When their population increases enough Muslims start to use ‘offensive warfare,’ such as assassinations to silence critics, bombings and other violence to intimidate enemies and punish perceived slights to their religion.”

Islam in America’s Classrooms History or Propaganda?

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED: (As always, please be polite but firm)

1. Contact Rabbi David Wolpe of Sinai Temple and respectfully ask that the temple drop anti-Muslim speaker Brigitte Gabrielle.

Rabbi David Wolpe
http://www.sinaitemple.org/index.php
10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tel: (310) 474-1518
Fax: (310) 474-6801
Email: dwolpe@sinaitemple.org

Cc to: dgreenbaum@sinaitemple.org - Dahlia Greenbaum, Programs Director.

Also CC: info@losangeles.cair.com

2. Inform your friends and family by forwarding this action alert to them and ask them to do the same.

(Apr 22, 2010 - Phoenix, AZ) 

The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-AZ) today called on American Muslims and other people of conscience to ask Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to veto Senate Bill 1070 because it criminalizes immigrants and institutionalizes racial profiling.

SEE: Arizona’s Effort to Bolster Local Immigration Authority Divides Law Enforcement (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/22/us/22immig.html

In a statement issued today, CAIR-AZ Chairman Anas Hlayhel said:

“Senate Bill 1070 allows the use of racial profiling. American Muslims have faced the detrimental effects of racial profiling and we stand against the broad and generalized application of this practice. Racial profiling is ineffective policing which will build distrust and fear of law enforcement in the community.”

“If signed into law, Senate Bill 1070 would impact even those community members who are legal permanent residents and naturalized citizens, because the bill gives unfettered discretion to law enforcement to identify and stop those perceived to be undocumented and to arrest those who do not have proper documentation of their legal status. Such a broad law enforcement tool leaves room for stereotyping and discrimination against minorities and those perceived to ‘look’ undocumented.”

SEE: Tell AZ Governor to Veto Racial Profiling Bill
http://presente.org/campaigns/arizona

SEE: CAIR’s Legislative Fact Sheet on Racial Profiling
http://www.cair.com/governmentrelations/issuesandlegislation/racialandreligiousprofiling.aspx

Senate Bill 1070 was passed by the Arizona state legislature and awaits the signature of Governor Brewer. If Arizona’s governor does not veto the bill within two days, it will:

* Legalize unchecked racial profiling by local law enforcement of anyone they “suspect” is undocumented.

* Effectively require all immigrants, even those who are naturalized, to carry identification proving their legal residency in the U.S., and grant police officers authority to enforce federal immigration law and arrest people who cannot produce identification.

* Criminalize all undocumented immigrants as “trespassers” in the state of Arizona and would subject all undocumented workers and their families to arrest and conviction for misdemeanors, and in some cases felony charges for the new crime of “trespass” (reminiscent of HR 4437, the 2005 ‘Sensenbrenner bill’).

The repercussions of such a law would be devastating for immigrants and all communities of color in Arizona. Moreover, Senate Bill 1070 will have dangerous consequences in that it will set a national precedent for state and federal law, permanently criminalizing immigrants and legalizing racial profiling by law enforcement.

How will the implementation of Senate Bill 1070 affect the community?

* It harms public safety by creating distrust between local law enforcement and immigrant communities.

* It amplifies fear among immigrants, which will result in less reporting of crimes in these communities, thereby marginalizing these communities even further. Our communities will become less safe as community members become more and more unwilling to report crime.

* It allows police officers to arrest people without a warrant, thereby undermining constitutional safeguards under the Fourth Amendment.

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS REQUESTED (As always, be POLITE and RESPECTFUL):

1. Visit the Presente website and add your name to the petition: http://presente.org/campaigns/arizona

2. Call Governor Brewer TODAY and ask her to veto the bill. Call: (602) 542-4331 or (800) 253-0883; E-Mail: http://azgovernor.gov/contact.asp

3. Forward this request to your friends and family.

Background (Preamble)

On November 19th, 2008 a group of US Jewish and Muslim leaders sent a letter to the Wiesenthal Center to halt the construction of the Museum of Tolerance on a historic Muslim cemetery in Jerusalem. This petition is based on that letter and you can read more about the campaign at http://cair-california.org/

We are deeply offended by the Los Angeles-based Simon Wiesenthal Center’s plan to move forward with construction of a ‘Museum of Tolerance’ on the Ma’manullah (Mamilla) Muslim cemetery in Jerusalem.

The cemetery is of tremendous historical and archaeological significance as well as a holy site for more than a billion Muslims worldwide. According to Muslim historians, the site was once the largest Muslim cemetery in Palestine and had approximately 15,000 graves.

Additionally, companions from Islam’s Prophet Muhammad’s time, as well as famous Muslim scholars and jurists are believed to be buried there

Please read factsheet

SIGN PETITION: Urge Wiesenthal Center to halt construction of museum on Muslim cemetery

.

PUBLIC PETITION TO STOP DESECRATION OF MAMILLA MUSLIM CEMETERY IN JERUSALEM BY
ISRAELI AUTHORITIES AND THE SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER

We demand that the competent Israeli authorities act:

  1. To immediately halt further construction of the Simon Wiesenthal Center “Museum of Tolerance” on part of the Mamilla Cemetery site in Jerusalem;
  2. To declare the entire historic site of the Mamilla Cemetery an antiquity, to be preserved and protected henceforth by its rightful and appropriate custodians, the Muslim Waqf (public endowment) authorities in Jerusalem;
  3. To restitute and rebury where they were originally found all human remains removed from Mamilla Cemetery, in coordination with the competent Muslim authorities in Jerusalem; and,
  4. To document and reveal to families who claim their ancestors are buried in Mamilla, or to their representatives, the whereabouts of human remains and artifacts, exhumed in the construction.

Sign the petition here

(Feb 13, 2010 - ANAHEIM, CA) 

February 12, 2010

Chancellor Michael Drake
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA 92697

Dear Chancellor Drake:

We are writing to you regarding the detention, citation, and pursuance of disciplinary action against several UCI students who vocally protested the speech of Israel Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren on February 8, 2010 at a UCI-sponsored on-campus event. Of particular concern to us are statements by UCI officials that the students will likely face disciplinary hearings resulting in suspension or dismissal for their constitutionally-protected protest activities. 1

On the evening of February 8, 2010, several students from UC campuses individually stood up at different intervals during Mr. Oren’s speech and vocalized their dissent with Israeli policy and his representation of the Israeli government. Student statements included “propagating murder is not free speech.” Their statements were met with both applause and opprobrium. Likewise, audience members who supported the speaker’s point-of-view shouted out words of support, occasionally resorting to profane, racist, and threatening remarks to those students protesting the speaker. Mr. Oren left the stage for some minutes and then returned to the stage where, despite shout-outs from both supporters and opponents, was able to continue with and conclude his speech. Eleven students were arrested and could face misdemeanor charges, while the eight UCI student protestors face disciplinary action by UCI.

As you are no doubt aware, the right to freely express one’s opinions is a most sacred freedom protected by our Constitution, college campuses being an essential forum for this expression. Civil protest against government abuses is a time-honored tradition that has led to the end of apartheid and the birth of civil rights.

Only in very narrow circumstances may this freedom be subdued by state activity, as in the “heckler’s veto” scenario, in which a state actor may suspend speech when a reacting party is likely to be incited to violence,2 or the disruption “substantially impairs the effective conduct of a meeting.”3 In all other circumstances the Supreme Court has recognized that “a State may not unduly suppress free communication of views, religious or other, under the guise of conserving desirable conditions.”4

In the case at hand, while Mr. Oren no doubt disapproved of the remarks coming from his opponents, we do not believe that the students’ behavior amounted to an undue interference with the public forum, nor was it so inciting as to not be afforded First Amendment protections. Indeed, while often impolite or argumentative, we do not feel that the remarks made by those on either side of the issue (save for the racist and threatening remarks of Mr. Oren’s supporters) were inappropriate for a public forum on a college campus. Nor were they inconsistent with the spirit of often heated exchanges that are at the heart of academic freedom and debate. The students voiced political views to shame the representative of a foreign government embroiled in controversy for its violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.5 Delivering this message in a loud and shocking manner expressed the gravity of the charges leveled against Israeli policies and falls within the purview of protected speech.

After making their brief statements, the students left in a voluntary and peaceful manner, and Mr. Oren was able to finish his speech. Any public speaker, particularly government representatives, understands that the nature of public speaking on controversial issues bears the risk of public censure. But it is a risk worth taking, and one we signatories often take, since the protection of the free exchange of ideas, regardless of the method of delivery, is of paramount interest to the university setting and broader society.

It is this primary duty of the University, to preserve the expressive freedoms of its students without heed to the political unpopularity of that speech, which we fear may not be afforded its due consideration by UCI. We are concerned that the construal of University policies to discipline these eight students is selective and excessive.

As stated, there have been countless instances of protest activities during campus speeches, including at UCI and even involving speeches by the signers of this letter, in which the protesting students were apparently not subjected to University disciplinary action. For example, in 2005 a UCI event with speaker John Yoo was disrupted by reacting protesters,6 and anti-Israel protesters disrupted a speaker from the Israeli foreign ministry at UCLA on Monday night.7 As mentioned above, even at the event in question counter-protesters made profane, racist, and threatening remarks to the protesting students.8 To our knowledge none of these events resulted in disciplinary action, nor are they facing disciplinary action by UCI, as are the students who vocally (but without profanity, threats, etc.) took issue with the speakers remarks. We are at a loss to explain this obviously disparate treatment. Such selective application of university policies to Muslim students engaged in constitutionally-protected political speech will be viewed by the American Muslim community and those who value free speech as an attempt to repress legitimate student protest.

While we understand your desire to offer public forums that proceed in an orderly fashion, we maintain that students have the right to voice their political views in a manner protected by the First Amendment. Free speech is a two way street; and we cannot perceive how any legitimate public interest would be furthered by condemning these students for partaking in a democratic freedom we all enjoy.

In light of the preceding, and the many accomplishments and contributions of these students at UCI, we therefore ask that charges and disciplinary actions against the students involved be dropped. In order to preserve UCI’s image as a campus welcoming free speech and vibrant political debate, we are fully confident that under your leadership UCI will address these concerns and remedy the situation as soon as is practicable.

We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Hussam Ayloush
Executive Director
Council on American-Islamic Relations
Greater Los Angeles Area Chapter

James Lafferty
Executive Director
National Lawyers Guild
Los Angeles Chapter

(Feb 05, 2010 - LOS ANGELES, CA) 

CAIR-LA sent the following letter to Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez on Friday, February 5, 2010:

Thomas E. Perez
Assistant Attorney General
Office of Civil Rights Division
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001

RE: City of Lancaster, California, Church-State Separation

Dear Mr. Perez,

My name is Hussam Ayloush, and I am the Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Greater Los Angeles area office (CAIR-LA). We have received a number of complaints regarding the mayor and city council of Lancaster, California, including comments made during the mayor’s recent State of the City speech, in which he stated, “we’re growing a Christian community,” as a January 28, 2010 Antelope Valley Press article states.

The divisive statement made by the mayor, when analyzed in context of other recent developments, represents a disturbing pattern by the City of Lancaster. We, therefore, request that the Department of Justice investigate incidents described below for possible violation of the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America.

In his January 27, 2010, State of the City speech, Mayor R. Rex Parris stated that Lancaster was “growing a Christian community.” He also added, “Don’t let anybody shy away from that … I need [Lancaster residents] standing up and saying we’re a Christian community, and we’re proud of that.” An Antelope
Valley Press article dated February 4, 2010 reported that the hall used for the mayor’s State of the City speech was paid for by the City of Lancaster, in the amount of more than $3,300.

During his speech, Mayor Parris used a PowerPoint presentation that flashed onto a big-screen a picture of a large Christian cross and the phrase “2010 Growing a Christian Community.” In his post-speech remarks, Mayor Parris suggested that a Christian city had a better sense of community than what he
described as an “atheistic city.”

Clearly, Mayor Parris’s vision and interpretation of church-state separation seem distorted. As an elected official speaking in his official capacity at an event paid for by the city, Mayor Parris’s comments appear to undermine the fundamental constitutional principle of church-state separation.

In the same speech, Mayor Parris referenced an April ballot measure as a means to “validate a Christian stance” because it would endorse prayers at city meetings, “specifically with permission to invoke a specific deity, including Jesus.”

The prayer issue was proposed as a ballot measure by the city council after the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) issued a letter to the council in August 2009 to stop sectarian invocations at city meetings. The ACLU had received complaints regarding the council’s practice of opening official city meetings with
explicitly sectarian religious invocations. The Antelope Valley Press reported that eleven out of the past fourteen city meetings, including the State of the City address, opened with prayers that invoked Jesus Christ’s name.

The council’s proposed ballot measure states:

“In response to a recent complaint, with respect to the invocations that contained reference to Jesus Christ, shall the City Council continue its invocation policy in randomly selecting local clergy of different faiths to deliver the invocation without restricting the content based on their beliefs, including references to Jesus Christ?”

The U.S. Supreme Court has held that prayers before government bodies must be non-sectarian. Several lower federal courts have struck down sectarian prayers before municipal government meetings. Recently, in Rubin v. City of Burbank,, the California Court of Appeal affirmed a superior court decision holding that a prayer given “in the name of Jesus Christ” at a Burbank City Council meeting violated the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution and permanently enjoined the city from “knowingly and intentionally allowing sectarian prayer at city council meetings.”

Also, in the State of the City speech, Mayor Parris suggested, “We’re not putting churches (running neighborhood houses) in every impoverished neighborhood. I’d like to put them in every neighborhood.” The mayor referenced a “Neighborhood Impact” program. This program is a faith-based initiative
developed by Lancaster’s Grace Chapel Church and Central Christian Church. The Grace Chapel website states the purpose of the “Neighborhood Impact Ministry” program as a partnership amongst churches “to engage communities in need of the gospel, encouragement and hope. We are currently focusing on a
local community through Bible clubs, youth discipleship, evangelism, community outreach events, etc. In faith we believe that transformation of our city can occur as the Church fervently prays and lives in obedience together in a spirit of unity and sacrifice.”

Of particular concern is the established partnership between the Neighborhood Impact Ministry, which is referenced in the mayor’s speech, and the City of Lancaster’s Strong Neighborhood Initiative. A recent City of Lancaster press conference held on January 8, 2010, and posted on the City’s Youtube.com
account by “colan77” celebrated what Pastor Dave Prather of the Central Christian Church described as a “Neighborhood Impact Ministry,” in partnership with the “City of Lancaster, in particular the mayor and his staff.” Concepcion Harris, who is the minister of Outreach and Evangelism at Central Christian Church, stated that the house was “a means to help people with their physical, emotional and spiritual needs” and that the Central Christian Church was “here to transform the neighborhood for Christ. That’s what we are here to do.”

The Constitution’s Establishment Clause prohibits the provision of public aid for religious activity, such as religious worship or instruction. According to Mitchell v. Helms, the prohibition extends not only to direct spending of government funds on religious activities, but also to the use of government funds to pay for
items or activities that are secular in themselves yet are used to support religious programming or indoctrination. Moreover, the Establishment Clause prohibits the government from making direct cash payments to “pervasively sectarian” institutions. According to Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. v. Bugher, when providing grants to a faith-based organization, it is the government’s responsibility to put in place “effective means of guaranteeing that the [grants] will be used exclusively for secular, neutral, and nonideological purposes.”

There is indication from the mayor’s statements that the City of Lancaster is actively engaged in sectarian support through partnership with the Neighborhood Impact Ministry. The stated missions of Neighborhood Impact Ministry Church clearly indicate the purely sectarian intent of the initiative and that a substantial function of these “impact ministry houses” is to indoctrinate those disadvantaged communities they operate in, and therefore violate the Constitution’s Establishment Clause. Freedom of religion is fundamental to the American way of life. There is an indisputable acceptance that government cannot establish an official religion. This principle is expressly affirmed by the Supreme Court’s rulings that have fashioned two separate spheres for religion and government, and have explicitly established the government’s neutrality on religion.

Justice Stevens wrote in his dissent in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris: “Whenever we remove a brick from the wall that was designed to separate religion and government we increase the risk of religious strife and weaken the foundation of our democracy.”

We believe that the potential violation of the Establishment Clause by the City of Lancaster and its public officials goes beyond public speeches espousing specific sectarian views. Their public statements and policies have created a climate of divisiveness and exclusion for those community members who are not
Christian or have divergent Christian views by giving the city a particular sectarian character. We request that the Department of Justice investigate the potential violation of church-state separation occurring in the City of Lancaster and to take appropriate measures to ensure a secular and inclusive
government representative of all Lancaster city residents.

CAIR-LA is a nonprofit civil rights advocacy and education organization whose 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.

Sincerely,

Hussam Ayloush
Executive Director

(Jan 26, 2010 - LOS ANGELES, CA) 

The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations announced today that a letter was sent to Councilwoman Sherry Marquez detailing the California Muslim community’s concerns about an anti-Islamic message posted to her facebook page. In another facebook post, Marquez claimed that “Obama is a Muslim.”

see: Sherry_Marquez_letter.pdf

(Jan 20, 2010 - LOS ANGELES, CA) 

The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) said today that CAIR offices nationwide have received reports that FBI agents, along with local law enforcement officers, are visiting and interviewing Muslim students and participants in a recent Islamic educational seminar in connection with an ongoing investigation.

American Muslims strongly support law enforcement and the protection of our national security. As Americans, we also value the civil rights of every individual. All Americans have the constitutional right of due process and to be politically active.

If you know of any criminal activity taking place in your community, it is both your religious and civic duty to immediately report such activity to local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Considering recent events, and the increase in FBI/Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF, including officers from the Department of Homeland Security and local police or sheriff departments) related incidents reported to our office, it is important that Muslims understand their rights when visited by FBI/JTTF at their home or workplace:

1) Understand that your providing information to the FBI/JTTF, absent a subpoena, is strictly voluntary. You are not obligated under law to answer any of their questions, other than giving your name and sometimes your address.

2) You may choose to have an attorney accompany or represent you for any interview or questioning. It is a good idea to consult with an attorney regarding the risks and benefits of being interviewed by law enforcement in your specific case.

3) If an FBI/JTTF agent shows up at your residence or workplace, and they do not have a search or arrest warrant and absent exigent circumstances, you do not have to let them in.

4) If they do have an arrest or search warrant, you may exercise your right to remain silent. Comply with all directives and do not physically resist an officer. Be polite and respectful at all times.

5) If an agent or officer says they have some questions for you, you have the right to refuse to speak to them and/or you may tell the agents or officers that you will have your attorney contact them if they wish to speak to you.

6) Note that anything you say to an agent or officer can be used against you in a court of law, and lying to an agent or officer is considered perjury and is a criminal offense.

7) Should you decide to speak to agents alone despite the risks, note that you may set the conditions of the interview, including choosing when and where the interview is to take place, having a third party present such as a family member or community leader, and deciding what questions to answer, and refusing to sign any documents. You may cancel the interview at any time.

8) Get the names, agencies, badge numbers, and business cards of ALL agents or officers.

9) Contact your attorney and CAIR to report the interview/incident and to discuss next steps. If you feel that your civil rights were violated, you may also file a complaint with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

MORE RESOURCES:

1. “FBI Interviews: Knowing the law can protect you,” by Ahilan Arulanantham and Ranjana Natarajan. InFocus News.

2. “Got Rights: Protect yourself and your family at home and at the airport,” a video by Muslim Advocates.

3. To file a complaint with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, visit the DOJ Civil Rights page

[Please note: This above is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Should you have any questions about the material herein or about a specific case, please consult with your attorney.]

CONTACT: CAIR-Greater Los Angeles Area Communications Manager Munira Syeda, 714-776-1847 or 714 -851-4851, E-mail: info@losangeles.cair.com

(Jan 05, 2010 - Anaheim, CA ) 

The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today called on American Muslims and people of conscience to ask their members of Congress to support Immigration Reform.

On December 15th, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) introduced The Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity (CIR ASAP) Act of 2009. As of today, the bill has 92 co-sponsors including members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Black Caucus, Asian Pacific American Caucus, and Progressive Caucus.

CIR ASAP outlines many important elements of reform, including but not limited to:

• A pathway to legalization for undocumented workers
• Professional and effective border enforcement
• Protective measures for the labor rights of immigrants and non-immigrants
• An employment eligibility verification system
• The principle of family unity "as a cornerstone" of the immigration system
• An employment-based visa system and a commission to "align visa numbers with actual labor market demands"
• The DREAM Act
• Measures for the promotion of immigrant integration

PLEASE SEE: Background on Gutierrez Bill

CIR ASAP represents the beginning of a new era of immigration reform. CAIR-LA calls upon American Muslims and people of conscience to act to support it. Now is the time to contact your members of Congress and let them know that you want to make immigration reform a reality!

ACTION REQUESTED:

1. Contact your Member of Congress and ask him/her to support CIR ASAP. Click Here to Find Your Member of Congress
2. Inform your friends and family by forwarding this action alert to them and ask them to do the same.

(Dec 30, 2009 - ANAHEIM, CA) 

The Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity (CIR ASAP) Act of 2009 represents the first concerted effort at comprehensive immigration reform since 2007 when the last reform proposal led by the late Senator Kennedy and Senator McCain died in the Senate. 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, (D-CA), says she will let the Senate take up the issue first after Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) files his version of the immigration reform bill after the holiday break. This “Senate first” approach may very well be a reaction to the bipartisan McCain-Kennedy attempt which failed so infamously in the Senate; Members of the House want assurances that immigration reform would pass in the Senate before any bill is presented to the House for a vote.

While some may argue that CIR ASAP is overly ambitious, given the “Senate-first” approach that Speaker Pelosi is intent on taking, the bill is an important first step in the fight for comprehensive immigration reform; it presents viable solutions and lays a foundation from which a Senate bill can eventually be drafted that will address the problems that exist in our current and deeply flawed immigration policies.

The bill has also been widely accepted by labor groups and those who represent the interests of America’s workforce. The AFL-CIO applauded it as a solution “that promotes workers’ rights.” The SEIU described the bill as “a sensible and realistic solution to our long-festering immigration problems [that] promises to restore order, end worker exploitation, and create a fair, workable immigration system.” The UFCW said, “This legislation charts a new course for our country [that] protects workers, respects families and reflects our nation’s interests and our better instincts.”

The Immigration Policy Center has prepared a wonderful summary highlighting the key provisions of CIR ASAP which can be found here.

For more information on CIR ASAP and what the Muslim community can do to make immigration reform a reality for us all, please contact Government Affairs Coordinator Ilham Elkoustaf at ielkoustaf@cair.com, or call 714.776.1847.  Please look for information about an upcoming Week of Action for Immigration Reform in January!

(Nov 05, 2009 - LOS ANGELES, CA) 

The California office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today call on California Muslims and other people of conscience to thank their elected officials who opposed House Resolution 867, and those members of Congress who voted “present.”

The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed HR 867 which calls on the President and the Secretary of State to unequivocally oppose any endorsement of the Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict. The report, led by former South African Judge Richard Goldstone of the United Nations Human Rights Council, called for the prosecution of individuals responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law. Judge Goldstone has also been a part of the International Panel of the Commission of Enquiry into the Activities of Nazism in Argentina, and part of the International War Crimes Tribunal on the former Yugoslavia, as well as leading investigations of abuses in Apartheid South Africa.

The resolution is incredibly biased and contains a number of factual errors. Moreover, it undermines President Obama’s commitment to human rights in the Middle East and around the world as well as his efforts to improve relations between citizens of majority-Arab and Muslim countries and the United States.

HR 867 challenges the legitimacy of the UN Fact Finding Mission, commonly referred to as the Goldstone Report. In a letter to members of Congress, Goldstone wrote, “I have strong reservations about the text of the resolution in question which includes serious factual inaccuracies.”  The letter
clarifies the misconceptions and inaccuracies made by HR 867. Rep. Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fl), one of the co-sponsors of the Resolution, inaccurately accuses Judge Goldstone and his Report to the U.N. in only condemning Israel in violations of war crimes; in fact Judge Goldstone clearly accuses Hamas as well.

It is imperative that we thank those members of Congress who believe that the United States should protect human rights and support justice for victims of human rights violations, rather than oppose it.

ACTION REQUESTED:

1. Contact your Representative and thank him/her for voting to oppose HR 867.
2. Inform your friends and family by forwarding this action alert to them and ask them to do the same.

California Elected Officials Who Voted NO:
Lynn Woolsey (D)
George Miller (D)
Barbara Lee (D)
Fortney Pete Stark (D)
Lois Capps (D)
Maxine Waters (D)
Bob Filner (D)

California Elected Officials Who Voted PRESENT:
Xavier Becerra (D)
Anna Eshoo (D)
Sam Farr (D)
Mike Honda (D)
Zoe Lofgren (D)

CONTACT: For more information, please contact CAIR-LA Government Relations Coordinator Ilham Elkoustaf at info@losangeles.cair.com or (714) 776-1847.

(Oct 19, 2009 - ANAHEIM, CA) 

CAIR - Greater Los Angeles Area office today asked community members and people of conscience to thank Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) for being the first public official to issue a statement in support of Muslim
Congressional interns after four GOP Congress members and anti-Muslim extremists labeled Muslim interns as serving as “spies” in congressional offices.

SEE: GOP House members call for investigation of Muslim political activity

Rep. Sanchez stated:
“Earlier today, Politico reported that some of my Republican colleagues have formally asked the House Sergeant at Arms to investigate the Council on American-Islamic Relations for “planting” Muslim interns and staffers on the Hill. I am appalled by this request, and the insinuation that Muslim-Americans are somehow conspiring against this country through their work on Capitol Hill.

“As a strong advocate for diversity and religious freedom, I find these claims to be outrageous and offensive. I urge the rest of my colleagues to join me in denouncing this witch hunt, which is clearly intended to create fear and distrust in our Capitol Hill community.”

Soon after Sanchez’s statement, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) and Mike Honda (D-CA) - chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus - also issued statements in support of Muslim interns on Capitol Hill.

ACTION REQUESTED: Please thank Rep. Sanchez for her principled position by e-mailing her office at loretta.sanchez@mail.house.gov.

CAIR-Greater Los Angeles Area invites you to participate as a proud sponsor of our 13th Annual Fundraising Banquet.

The annual banquet represents the largest dinner for the Muslim community on the West Coast and is attended by leaders and representatives of more than 75 Islamic Centers in the area. This year, the Annual Banquet will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at the Anaheim Hilton. Our banquet is a major source of funding from our members and draws upwards of 2,000 attendees. The banquet is also an event in which inter-ethnic and inter-faith relationships are strengthened and celebrated.

There are six to seven million Muslims in the United States, with 600,000 living in the Southern California area. This is a great opportunity to give back to the communities you serve and to show that you care about positive work such as that conducted by CAIR.

Following are various levels of sponsorships available for your business:

Gold Sponsorship - With a donation of $10,000, you will receive:
• A full page ad in the CAIR souvenir booklet
• A large screen projection of the company’s name or logo
• A promotional booth near the entrance (designated for gold sponsors)
• 10 guest tickets to the banquet (please contact CAIR if in need of more tickets)

Silver Sponsorship - With a donation of $5,000, you will receive:
• A half page ad in the CAIR souvenir booklet
• A medium screen projection of the company’s name or logo
• A promotional booth near the entrance (designated for silver sponsors)
• 10 guest tickets to the banquet

Patron Sponsorship - With a donation of $2,500, you will receive:
• A quarter page ad in the CAIR souvenir booklet
• A small screen projection of the company’s name or logo
• The company’s name on a shared listing at a promotional booth
• 5 guest tickets to the banquet  

For more information on the benefits of sponsoring CAIR-LA Banquet, please contact Programs and Development Coordinator Dee Dee P. Afalqa at 714 776 1847 or e-mail dafalqa@cair.com

CONTACT

Dee Dee P. Afalqa
Programs and Development Coordinator, CAIR-LA
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
T 714 776 1847

Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you doing well!  My name is Neveen Abdelghani and I am the current Special Projects Coordinator for the CAIR – Greater Los Angeles Area chapter.

Many of you have placed ads in CAIR’s Souvenir Booklet for the Annual CAIR Banquet before and we are once again asking for your generous support. This is a great opportunity to let the Muslim community know of your support, especially in these times of prevalent Islamophobia.

We are expecting almost 2,000 attendees from Muslim and other communities around the Southern California area.

The booklet will be approximately 7.5 inches by 5 inches – please see the attached ad rate sheet.

There are five advertisement sizes to choose from:

1) the full page color inside back page costs $600 (7.5 inches by 5 inches)
2) a full page advertisement costs $350 (7.5 x 5)
3) a half page advertisement costs $225 (3.5 x 5)
4) a quarter page advertisement costs $150 (3.75 x 5)
5) business card size advertisements cost $100 (1.8 x 2.5)

Please take advantage of this opportunity to let almost 2,000 community members know about you and your organization or business. It is a great bridge-building tool, and a wonderful means to let the Muslim community know that they are not alone in “speaking truth to power.”

To place an advertisement in our booklet, please send your graphic designs via e-mail in pdf or jiff format to nabdelghani@cair.com. The black and white ad should be 85 lpi, and the color ads should be 150 lpi. Send large files through www.yousendit.com

Should you have any further questions, please call Neveen Abdelghani at 714-776-1847 ext. 232. The deadline for the graphics is September 28, 2009. We look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for all of your support!

CONTACT

Neveen Abdelghani
Special Projects Coordinator, CAIR-LA
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
T 714-776-1847

Join me in a Special Challenge for Ramadan
Act to Protect Your Community and Double Your Impact

Dear Friend, 
Assalaamu Alaykum (May Peace be with you)!

Ramadan Kareem!

Every Ramadan, CAIR counts on your generous support to help us continue protecting the civil rights of all Americans and enhance the understanding of Islam in America. This isn’t just any Ramadan though.

This Ramadan comes at a time when our community is celebrating very exciting news.

In the past month alone, CAIR’s efforts in defending your civil and religious rights produced concrete results such as policy change allowing hijab in Georgia courtrooms, a court win in Chicago for a Muslim correctional officer who faced bias on the job, and a major legal ruling in favor of the six American imams arrested in Minnesota for “flying while Muslim.”

All these victories are milestones in the work of protecting civil rights of all Americans.

But the exciting news does not stop there. In hopes to enhance the understanding of Islam by opinion leaders and policymakers nationwide, CAIR recently announced the ‘Share the Quran’ initiative in which almost 100,000 American leaders will receive a copy of the Quran. This is the biggest outreach program we have endeavored yet!

To help us celebrate our community’s achievements, a group of committed CAIR supporters have come forward with a Ramadan Matching Gift Challenge.

This means that every dollar that you donate before the end of Ramadan will be matched by this group of donors, up to $25,000.

I urge you to take this challenge and help CAIR continue educating the public about Islam and defending our community’s civil rights. Every dollar counts, and by participating in this challenge, every dollar will count as two!

Successes like those mentioned above do not happen on their own. They only happen because of the community’s support and commitment; specifically because of YOUR support.

Help bring even more good news to our community and send in your donation today.

These generous donations will be especially helpful during this challenging economy. Just remember, a donation of $500, $250, or $25 translates into a donation of $1,000, $500, or $50 respectively.

Don’t forget, the month of Ramadan is the month of giving and it offers its own matching by the multiplying of rewards.
So what do you say? Will you join me in this challenge?

DONATE GENEROUSLY!

Sincerely,

Hussam Ayloush

***Please remember, scholars have confirmed that donations to CAIR is an eligible recipient of Zakat! So hurry and donate today to reap the benefits of your donation being doubled!*** 

CONTACT

Anbar Mahar
Membership & Administrative Manager, CAIR-Greater Los Angeles Area
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
T 714-776-1847

(Mar 31, 2009 - Los Angeles, CA) 

Beginning February 21, some 40 high school students from Southern California will learn about the Islamic and Japanese cultures, with topics ranging from ethnic identity, culture/religion, civil rights activism, and experiences following the Pearl Harbor and 9/11 attacks.

The series of cultural program are the fist of their kind in the Southland, and serve to connect youth from the Japanese-American and American Muslim communities. The program is being organized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations – Greater Los Angeles Area (CAIR-LA), the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California (ISCSC), Japanese American Citizens League - Pacific Southwest District (JACL-PSW) and Nikkei for Civil Rights & Redress (NCRR).

WHAT: Bridging Communities Program, a four-day program meant to teach Muslim- and Japanese-American high school youth about each other’s heritage and experiences.

WHEN: On Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Feb. 21, March 14, April 4, April 25

WHERE: Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, Islamic Center of Irvine, Little Tokyo, and Manzanar.

The last day of Building Communities program will culminate in a trip to Manzanar National Historic Site. The Manzanar pilgrimage is intended to raise awareness of civil rights abuses in America’s past with the aim of preventing them from being repeated. Formerly known as “Manzanar War Relocation Center,” the central California site was one of ten internment camps that held more than 10,000 Japanese-American men, women, and children during the war. This year will mark the 40th anniversary of Manzanar Pilgrimage.

SEE:  Pilgrimage to Manzanar

Last year, CAIR-LA organized a group of more than 100 Muslims from Southern California to participate in the Manzanar visit. A documentary was subsequently made about the visit and the bonds that were formed between members of the Muslim and Japanese American communities.

SEE:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVxf7J0dwCQ

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.

CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Munira Syeda, 714-776-1847, 714-851-4851; E-mail: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Quote: “It’s important for Muslim and Japanese youth to learn from each other’s struggles in efforts to advance the cause of civil rights in our nation,” said Affad Shaikh, civil rights manager at CAIR-LA.

The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today announced the recent visit by a Los Angeles activist with Naji Hamdan, a former Hawthorne resident and U.S. citizen who has been detained and allegedly tortured in the United Arab Emirates.

Reem Salahi, an attorney and Bridge Fellow at the ACLU - Southern California described her challenges in meeting with Hamdan. In a statement, Salahi said:

“I was denied access on multiple occasions and my three-day trip was extended to nearly two weeks before I could meet with Mr. Hamdan. In the process of accessing Mr. Hamdan, I was told that the head prosecutor for Mr. Hamdan’s case, Khaled Al Sha’ali, was in the United States. I was not informed what Mr. Al Sha’ali was doing in the U.S.

“My meeting with Mr. Hamdan was heavily surveilled by U.A.E. State Security personnel. In the meeting, Mr. Hamdan strongly suggested that his detention, torture and imprisonment in the U.A.E., was at the behest of the U.S. government.”

Hamdan, 42, has been held in the U.A.E. since late August - detained for almost four months without any charges. Then in a phone call to his brother Hossam Hemdan in December, Hamdan said he had been tortured and forced to confess to terrorism-related charges.

SEE:  CAIR-LA News Release on Hamdan Detention

ALSO SEE:  U.S. Citzen detained and possibly tortured in U.A.E. (in Arabic Language only)

“We are deeply concerned by reports of torture and evidence of U.S. involvement in Mr. Hamdan’s case,” said CAIR-LA Staff Attorney Ameena Qazi. “We call on the State Department to intervene on behalf of Mr. Hamdan and ensure he receives due process of law.”

In early September, CAIR-LA was informed by friends and family members of Hamdan’s Aug. 29, 2008 detention. Hamdan is a U.S. citizen and a father of three children. Hamdan has special medical needs. He lived in the Los Angeles area for more than 20 years, ran an auto-parts business, has been very active in the Southern California Muslim community and is a well-respected local leader.

Additionally, the ACLU Southern California office filed suit in November 2008 alleging that Hamdan was detained by security agents for the U.A.E. who were acting at the behest of U.S. government officials, including the FBI.

COMMUNITY ACTION REQUESTED:

CAIR-LA calls on American Muslims and other people of conscience to take the following actions to ensure the due process of U.S. citizen Naji Hamdan, who has been detained and allegedly tortured in the U.A.E.

1. Amnesty International is urging people to contact U.A.E. officials on behalf of Naji Hamdan:
http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE25/001/2009/en

2. ACLU-SC is urging people to sign its online petition to Secretary Clinton: http://www.aclu-sc.org/pages/hamdan_petition

In a statement, CAIR-LA said:

“A news story published today about a paid FBI informant, coupled with an FBI agent’s court testimony this week of the use of an informant to infiltrate mosques in Southern California, have re-ignited feelings of anger, disillusionment and mistrust among American Muslims toward the FBI.

The American Muslim community has never waivered from its commitment to keeping America safe, nor has it hesitated from cooperating with various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, in ensuring the security of all U.S. citizens.

However, reports of paying informants to monitor and provoke law-abiding Muslims in houses of worship, as well as the recruitment by the FBI of Muslims to become informants and threats of retaliation for refusing to comply, along with past history of FBI surveillance of Muslim students on Southland college campuses have prompted our community to raise these deeply troubling concerns:

1. These coercive and intimidating methods highlight the fact that the FBI continues to view the entire American Muslim community as suspect and treat it as such. Infiltrating mainstream mosques the way FBI informants infiltrate white supremacist groups illustrates the FBI’s perception of American Muslims as a community that must be constantly monitored, instead of being treated as an equal partner in fighting crime and terrorism.

2. Informants are used to manufacture terrorism-like plots, which are then announced as successfully disrupted by the FBI. Such actions waste precious taxpayer dollars and take the agency away from the mission of protecting our nation by tracking and foiling actual terrorism and crime.

3. Law-abiding Muslims at mainstream mosques and Islamic centers are being incited and entrapped by former criminals with questionable characters.

Unfortunately, the FBI’s counter-productive actions damage the trust between Muslims and law enforcement and trample our Constitutionally-mandated civil liberties.

We encourage community members, who have been visited, harassed, or threatened by an FBI agent, to promptly report that incident to CAIR offices. As always, please continue to report any suspicious or criminal activity to the FBI or law enforcement - it’s an obligation mandated by our faith Islam and our love for our country.” 

                     
FOR BACKGROUND ON RECENT FBI-RELATED INCIDENTS, SEE:
http://www.infocusnews.net/content/view/15942/135/

Visited by an FBI Agent? Know Your Rights

American Muslims strongly support law enforcement and the protection of our national security. As Americans, we also value the civil rights of every individual. All Americans have the constitutional right of due process and to be politically active.

If you know of any criminal activity taking place in your community, it is both your religious and civic duty to immediately report such activity to local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Considering recent events, and the increase in FBI/Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) related incidents reported to our office in the last two months, we suggest to the Muslim community the following steps if visited by FBI/Task Force at their home or workplace:

1)    Understand that your speaking to the FBI/JTTF, absent a subpoena, is strictly voluntary. You are not obligated under law to answer any of their questions, other than giving your name and sometimes your address.
2)    If an FBI/JTTF (including officers from the Department of Homeland Security, local police, sheriff or fire departments) agent shows up at your residence or workplace, and they do not have a search or arrest warrant and absent exigent circumstances, you do not have to let them in or speak to them.
3)    If they do have an arrest or search warrant, you may exercise your right to remain silent. Comply with all directives and do not physically resist an officer.
4)    Be polite and respectful at all times.
5)    If an agent or officer says they have some questions for you, you may refuse to let them into your home or workplace, and you may ask them what their questions are regarding.
6)    If the questioning is regarding a matter that is of a legitimate law enforcement interest, you may choose to assist law enforcement.
7)    If the questioning is regarding a vague matter, or something you do not feel comfortable discussing, you may tell the agents or officers that they may contact your attorney if they wish to speak to you.
8)    Get the names, agencies, badge numbers, and business cards of any and ALL agents or officers who approach you.
9)    Contact your attorney and CAIR to report the incident and to discuss next steps.
10)  Note that anything you say to an agent or officer can be used against you in a court of law, and lying to an agent or officer is considered perjury and is a criminal offense.

Please note: This above is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Should you have any questions about the material herein or about a specific case, please consult with your attorney.

ALSO SEE:

FBI Interviews: Knowing the Law can Protect You (InFocus)

(LOS ANGELES, CA, 2/16/2008)—A delegation from the Greater Los Angeles Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations met with representatives and staffers from 17 congressional offices in Washington, D.C. Nationally, CAIR representatives and advocates completed more than 80 meetings with elected officials and their staffers on Capitol Hill.

Advocates discussed efforts to end racial profiling, concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and fighting domestic hunger.

ENDING RACIAL PROFILING:

The White House’s civil rights agenda says the Obama administration will “ban racial profiling by federal law enforcement agencies.” A 2003 Department of Justice advisory report calls the practice “merely wrong” and “ineffective.” Advocates supported a ban of the practice.

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN GAZA:

Advocates thanked the offices of the sixty-three Members of Congress, led by Rep. John W. Olver (D-MA) who recently wrote Secretary of State Clinton asking that “the State Department release emergency funds to [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East] for reconstruction and humanitarian assistance.” President Obama released $21.3 million in funds to start addressing this urgent need.

SEE:  THE OLVER LETTER

FIGHTING DOMESTIC HUNGER:

Hunger has grown in America while food aid programs have become increasingly strained. CAIR staff, board members and volunteers encouraged elected officials to support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) and legislation that enhances school lunch and school feeding programs.

“Whether it is to alleviate the hardships of our nation’s current economic crisis or to correct past civil rights abuses, American Muslims must be more actively involved in the political process and engage our lawmakers,” said Sharaf Mowjood, CAIR-Los Angeles Area government relations coordinator. 

Mowjood noted that CAIR has published a Civic Participation Handbook designed to provide best practices and step-by-step guides for everything from holding voter registration drives to making the most of a meeting with elected officials.

SEE:  CAIR’s CIVIC PARTICIPATION HANDBOOK

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.

CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Munira Syeda, Tel: (714) 776-1847, E-Mail: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

(LOS ANGELES, CA, 12/5/08) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today called on American Muslims and other people of conscience to take action to protect the fundamental human rights of a California Muslim who has been allegedly tortured in the U.A.E.

A Los Angeles resident and a U.S. citizen, Hamdan had been held without charges in the U.A.E. since late August. In a phone call to his brother Hossam Hemdan this week, Hamdan said he had been tortured and forced to confess to terrorism-related charge, news reports stated.

SEE: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/796609.html

“We are deeply alarmed by the allegations of torture against Mr. Hamdan while in U.A.E. security services custody,” said CAIR-LA Staff Attorney Ameena Qazi. “We call on our government to assist in bringing its own citizen to safety and to ensure that his fundamental human rights are restored.”

In early September, CAIR-LA was informed by friends and family members of Hamdan’s Aug. 29, 2008 detention. Hamdan is a U.S. citizen and a father of three children. Hamdan, who has special medical needs, was traveling to U.A.E. on a business trip at the time of his detention. He lived in the Los Angeles area for more than 20 years, ran an auto-parts business, and has been very active in the Southern California Muslim community and is a well-respected local leader.

SEE:  CAIR-LA News Release on Hamdan Detention

ACTION REQUESTED:

Please call Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ offices in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles.
Those living in these cities are especially encouraged to call – South Central Los Angeles, the communities of Westchester and Playa Del Rey, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood and Lawndale.

Phone: (202) 225-2201 (D.C. office)
Phone: (323) 757-8900 (LA office)

Talking Points:

•Naji Hamdan is a U.S. citizen and a constituent of your district.
•urge Congresswoman Waters to bring Naji Hamdan to safety and protect his fundamental human rights.

(Nov 20, 2008 - Los Angeles, CA) 

According to historians, the planned museum site was once the largest Muslim cemetery in Palestine. Companions of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad and Islamic jurists and scholars are said to be buried there.
On Wednesday, Nov. 19, Muslim and Jewish leaders sent a letter to the Wiesenthal Center stating:

“Building a “Museum of Tolerance” atop the cemetery, unlike the admirable goal of furthering tolerance and understanding, will only add to the existing pain and suffering of Palestinians and Israelis, irreversibly damage relations between Muslims and Jews worldwide and sow new feelings of animosity and division for generations to come…”

The letter was signed by CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush, Rabbi Steven B. Jacobs (Progressive Faith Foundation), Sydney Levy (Jewish Voice for Peace), and Rabbi Haim Beliak (Jews on First).

SEE: Full Text of Letter http://cair-california.org/images/stories/letter_to_rabbi_hier.pdf

Please see a fact sheet and additional resources on this issue after the following section.

ACTION REQUESTED:

(As always, be POLITE and RESPECTFUL)

1) Contact Rabbi Marvin Hier at the Simon Wiesenthal Center (Please ask your family and friends to do the same):

Simon Wiesenthal Center
1399 South Roxbury Drive
Los Angeles, California 90035
Phone: 310-553-9036
800-900-9036 (toll-free from within the U.S.)
Fax: 310-553-4521
E-mail: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)(Avra Shapiro,
Director of Public Relations); (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Please copy CAIR-LA office at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Talking Points:

• In the spirit of cooperation and respect for all people and faiths, I urge you to halt the construction of the museum on top of the Muslim cemetery in Jerusalem.
• Relocating the museum site will help avoid fanning the flames of intolerance in that region.
• Building on a Muslim cemetery will adversely affect peacemaking efforts in the Middle East and harm Muslim-Jewish relations around the world.

2) Sign this online petition: http://www.gopetition.com/online/23494.html

3) Visit “Help the Peace Makers” Website and send a fax to Wiesenthal Center’s members of the board of trustees: http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/1285/t/3697/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=73

4) Rabbis, Imams, and Pastors are encouraged to discuss, in their sermons/khutbahs, the damaging effects of the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s plans to build the museum atop the Muslim cemetery and pray for peace and justice in Jerusalem and around the world.

Fact Sheet & Additional Resources

1. Fact Sheet on the Controversy Around the Building of the ‘Museum of Tolerance’
2. Resources on the Wiesenthal Center Construction Plan

CONTACT

Marvin Hier
Rabbi, Simon Wiesenthal Center
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
T 310-553-9036 OR 800-900-9036

(LOS ANGELES, 8/7/08) – CAIR Greater Los Angeles Area is urging American Muslims and other people of conscience to call Congressman Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) today and urge him to stop using defamatory language linking the faith of Islam to terrorism.

In recent newsletters and speeches, Rep. Royce has repeatedly used phrases such as “Islamist terrorism” to refer to acts of violence and terror. 

In a letter sent to Congressman Royce today, local interfaith and community leaders requested that he drop such language and stated:

“Congressman Royce, using this type of language may not only offend and alienate the overwhelming majority of Muslims, who abhor violence, but it may also unintentionally legitimize terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and other anti-American forces…

“According to the Homeland Security recommendations, by using phrases like ‘Islamic terrorism,’ U.S. officials and representatives may be ‘unintentionally portraying terrorists, who lack moral and religious legitimacy, as brave fighters, legitimate soldiers or spokesman for ordinary Muslims.’

“The report also urges ‘caution in using terms such as ‘jihadist,’ ‘Islamist,’ and ‘holy warrior’ as grandiose descriptions,’ to avoid associating acts of violence or terrorism with religious concepts.”

SEE: Interfaith Letter to Rep. Ed Royce at: www.cair-california.org

ACTION REQUESTED: (As always, be POLITE and RESPECTFUL)

1) CALL CONGRESSMAN ED ROYCE at his Washington D.C. and Fullerton offices.

Washington, D.C. Office:
2185 Rayburn House Office Building,
District of Columbia 20515-0540
Phone: (202) 225-4111
Fax: (202) 226-0335
Website: www.royce.house.gov

Fullerton Office:
305 North Harbor Boulevard, Suite 300
Fullerton, California 92832
Phone: (714) 992-8081
Fax: (714) 992-1668
Website: www.royce.house.gov

Talking Points:
- I urge you to stop using language that links the faith of Islam to terrorism because it’s defamatory and un-American.
- Such language unfairly demonizes Muslims and Islam. 
- It undermines national security by legitimizing the claims of terrorist groups.
- I also want you to ensure that you work with your Muslim constituents and highlight the American Muslim community’s contributions in your communications.

2) ASK YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY to call the Congressman’s office and do the same.