(Los Angeles, CA, 10/22/2015) In solidarity with American Muslims, more than two dozen interfaith organizations from Southern California released a joint statement condemning anti-Muslim rhetoric used by presidential candidates.
SEE: CA Interfaith Leaders Condemn Anti-Islam Rhetoric
Additionally, the statement expresses concerns about recent anti-Muslim incidents like the armed protests and rallies held in front of mosques across the states in early October and the arrest of 14-year-old Ahmed Mohamed, a 9th grade student from Irving, TX, for bringing a clock to school.
The statement reads in part, "Anti-Muslim rhetoric has not only led to hate crimes but has caused American Muslims to live in fear for their safety and well-being. It also mirrors past prejudices that plague our nation’s history.
Islamophobia is a poison to our society in much the same way that racism, anti-Semitism, and xenophobia are. Such prejudice hurts us all.
American Muslims are entitled to the same freedoms as every other citizen and we must collectively stand up to bigots who try to marginalize our community and the religion of Islam."
ALSO SEE: CAIR-LA Condemns Donald Trump's Statement on Closing U.S. Mosques
CAIR is American's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Ojaala Ahmad at 714 776 1847 or email oahmad@cair.com