SEE: ‘Teachable Moment Community Response Guide’ Toolkit

The toolkit, called a “Teachable Moment Community Response Guide,” offers guidance, tools and resources to help Muslim communities respond to specific current events such as the end of Ramadan Eid al-Fitr holiday occurring near September 11, the upcoming “Burn a Koran Day” by a church in Florida, the anti-Muslim bigotry generated by the smear campaign against a planned Islamic community center in Manhattan, and the ongoing tension and misunderstanding surrounding the building or expansion of mosques nationwide.

SEE: Fearful Muslims Downplay Holiday Set to Fall on Sept. 11
Fla. Faith Leaders: Book-Burning Has No Place Here
CAIR: NY Attack On Muslim Cabbie Spurs Calls To Cool Rhetoric (NPR)
CAIR: Drunk Shouts ‘Terrorists,’ Urinates on Mosque Rugs
CAIR-NY: 9/11 Families, Others Rally in Favor of NYC Mosque
Beyond New York, Mosques Draw Protests

“We hope this toolkit will help local community leaders as they plan the many spontaneous outreach and educational initiatives that are being scheduled in response to the new challenges faced by American Muslims,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. “Each community should utilize the contents of the toolkit to respond in a proactive way to the unprecedented wave of hate-mongering targeting Islam and American Muslims.”

Awad said the toolkit also includes verses from the Quran about how Muslims should respond to harassment and abuse, recommendations for hosting open houses at mosques, tips on working with media professionals, and statements of support from national religious and civic groups and leaders.

It cites chapter 41, verse 34 of the Quran, which states:

“(Since) good and evil cannot be equal, repel (the evil deed) with one that is better. Then you will see that he with whom you had enmity, will become your close friend.”

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.

[SATELLITE FEED FOR PUBLIC SERVICE AND NEWS DIRECTORS: Feed Date: Thursday, September 2nd, 2010. Feed Time: 1:00-1:30 p.m. ET (Fed in Rotation) Coordinates: Galaxy 19/C07 Slot B, FEC: 3/4/ Symbol Rate: 6.1113 / Data Rate: 8.448 / Downlink Freq: 3835.500V, Synaptic Digital Satellite Operations Trouble Line: 212-812-7134]

CAIR’s PSA campaign is also designed to offer an implicit challenge to the Florida church that plans to burn copies of the Quran, Islam’s revealed text, on September 11.

CAIR ’9/11 Happened to Us All’ PSA, Firefighter (30-Second)
CAIR ’9/11 Happened to Us All’ PSA, Firefighter (60-Second)
CAIR ’9/11 Happened to Us All’ PSA, Medical Responder (30-Second)
CAIR ‘We Have More in Common than We Think’ PSA, Interfaith (30-Second)

The PSAs are also available at: thenewsmarket.com/CAIR (Registration is required.)

Two of the three PSAs, which will be distributed by satellite to television stations nationwide and online through social media sites, feature Muslim first responders to the 9/11 terror attacks, with the theme “9/11 happened to us all.” Copies of the PSAs will also be mailed to selected television stations, with a focus on stations in New York and Florida. (Please contact CAIR-PA via e-mail or phone to receive a copy)

The third PSA features Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders describing the “golden rule” as expressed by their respective faiths — and ends with the phrase, “We have more in common than we think.” That PSA is designed to show the commonalities between faiths and to challenge those who — like the members of a Florida church who plan to burn Qurans on September 11 — would divide America along religious lines.

A 2005 CAIR public service announcement (PSA) rejecting terrorism and religious extremism and was seen by some 10 million television viewers nationwide. That PSA, called “Not in the Name of Islam,” featured ordinary American Muslims stating “that those who commit acts of terror in the name of Islam are betraying the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad.”

SEE: CAIR 2005 ‘Not in the Name of Islam’ PSA

Other national American Muslim organizations took part in the news conference outlined each group’s individual and joint initiatives designed to promote religious freedom, challenge growing anti-Muslim bigotry in American society and to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

The other Muslim organizations that took part in the news conference included: (in alphabetical order)

• Coordinating Council of Muslim Organizations in the Washington Area (CCMO)
• Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)
• MAS Freedom

Earlier this month, CAIR released an online toolkit designed to help Muslim communities organize proactive local educational and outreach initiatives tied to events such as a “National Day of Unity and Healing” on the upcoming anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

SEE: ‘Teachable Moment Community Response Guide’ Toolkit

The toolkit, called a “Teachable Moment Community Response Guide,” offers guidance, tools and resources to help Muslim communities respond to specific current events such as the end of Ramadan Eid al-Fitr holiday occurring near September 11, the upcoming “Burn a Koran Day” by a church in Florida, the anti-Muslim bigotry generated by the smear campaign against a planned Islamic community center in Manhattan, and the ongoing tension and misunderstanding surrounding the building or expansion of mosques nationwide.

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 -

by Valerie Russ
Philadelphia Daily News, August 28, 2010

NABIH ASID stood in the sweltering kitchen of his Queen Village Pizza shop, chopping a large block of cheese into tiny shreds. Perspiration began to bead lightly on his forehead.

The kitchen was stifling last week, with heat blasting from the pizza oven inside while a steamy August afternoon blazed outside.

But Asid couldn’t slake his thirst with a sip of water, or draw strength from any of his tempting treats because he’s among the thousands of area Muslims – and hundreds of millions worldwide – fasting for the holy month of Ramadan.

“For me, it is not hard,” said Asid, 52, originally from Egypt.

He’s been fasting each Ramadan since he was 9, abstaining from all food and drink between sunrise and sunset – the majority of his shop’s hours of operation. But to Asid, the monthlong fast is simply a part of his life and his faith.

“It’s all about your belief,” Asid said. “If you believe, you will be strong. You will get help from God.”

Non-Muslims may think it especially difficult for Muslims to keep the fast when they cook and serve food for others all day. But several vendors, restaurant workers and others said they are not tempted to eat.

Some admit, however, that on especially hot days, they do feel thirsty.

Aftab Khan, who runs a hot-dog cart on Broad Street near Callowhill, said it had gotten so hot inside his metal cart a couple of days earlier this month that he began to feel dizzy.

“It’s too hot,” said Khan, 30, from Pakistan. “The sun is coming down through the window [above his head] and the stove gets really hot.”

On days he feels light-headed, Khan said, he closes up shop an hour or two early, then goes home to take a cool shower and rest until it’s time to break his fast.

“Still, I want to make it clear that I love Ramadan,” Khan said with a big smile. “I love it!”

Several local Muslims said fasting reminds them of the suffering of the poor and teaches them about humility, patience and spirituality. It’s also a time to ask forgiveness for sins.

“To me, it’s that spiritual element, where you look at the fact that there are poor people in Philadelphia and around the world, and you start to feel what they feel,” said Rugiatu Conteh, a spokeswoman for the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations.

But because Ramadan came in August this year, the days are longer than in years when Ramadan comes in winter. Muslims use a lunar calendar, with shorter months than the standard calendar, and the first day of Ramadan comes about 11 days earlier each year.

At Hanan’s House of Pita, a vending cart at 38th and Walnut streets in West Philadelphia, Hanan Hasan was busy filling lunch orders last week for students and others at her cart located near the University of Pennsylvania.

“Today was very nice,” Hasan said on a blessedly cloudy day. But the two days before were extremely hot “and I can’t drink, I can’t eat.”

Still, she doesn’t think of eating. Hasan grew up in Jordan and said, like many Muslims, she started fasting as a child.

“I have fasted all my life,” she said. “Everyone around you is fasting. My niece in Chicago, she’s only eight years old, and she is fasting this year.”

A young American-born Muslim, who is in culinary school, said that even though he fasts while cooking with classmates all day, fasting is not a problem because he’s been doing it since he converted to Islam 16 years ago.

The young man, 35, who asked that his name not be used, said outside his Germantown mosque that his classmates needlessly apologize when they sit down to eat what they’ve cooked.

“They always say, ‘Excuse me for eating in front of you,’ ” he said. “I tell them, ‘It’s OK. It’s not hard for me.’ ”

At the Almadenah Meat Market and Asalam Restaurant, two adjacent stores in a shopping center at Germantown and Wister avenues, owner Abdul Haj said that business in the market actually increases during Ramadan.

At the restaurant, which serves pizza, sandwiches and other food, the business he loses while Muslims are fasting during the day just moves later and things pick up at night. “People come to break the fast here,” said Haj, a Palestinian.

“Business always gets better during Ramadan,” said his nephew Osama Haj, who works in the meat market. “When you’re hungry [all day], people buy more food.”

Asid, the pizza shop owner, has owned his restaurant at 4th and Queen streets for 20 years.

Asid’s wife, who didn’t want her name published, said she hasn’t wanted to eat, but she has felt thirsty.

“For me, it is hard,” she said. “It is so hot and I cannot drink.”

But Asid said that even though he works around food all day, “I don’t think twice about eating.

“The food is nothing,” he said. “It is about spirituality. It is about having a clean mind and a clean body. Ramadan is a gift. If you’re honest and truly fasting for the right reasons, after the month is over, you will be a better person.”

American Muslims are divided over the proposed mosque near ground zero — for some, the plans have provided a teachable moment, for others, it has needlessly provoked a torrent of anti-Muslim rhetoric.

Mikal Shabazz of Philadelphia said the controversy could be used as an opportunity to draw people to his faith.

“There are political opportunists who are trying to take advantage of the situation, who are trying to paint a picture of more than a billion people based on a few criminals,” said Shabazz, an imam who leads a congregation in northwest Philadelphia. “People don’t really know Muslims.

They think Muslims are anti-American but we’re just as American as anybody else.”

Shabazz served in the Army Reserve in Iraq and proudly recounted a history of family military service extending back to World War I.

The issue was essentially a constitutional one, he said: “Freedom of worship is the foundation upon which we stand.”

“It’s our constitutional right to have a mosque or house of worship in any space,” agreed Rugiatu Conteh, outreach and communications director of the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

However, that has been overshadowed by an outcry about the plans from opponents who contend that the building of a mosque so close to the site of the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11 is an outrage.

Where the mosque ultimately ends up is for New Yorkers to decide, Shabazz said.

“They have to weigh the situation,” he said. “If they believe in the best interest of giving a better impression of Muslims and Islam, if that’s what they think they need to do, to move it to another location, then they may want to do that.”

The project has touched off a national debate over religious tolerance, American ideals and the still-fresh pain of the terrorist attacks. The center’s leaders, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, and his wife, Daisy Khan, have a long record of interfaith outreach in New York and beyond.

They insist the center will be a voice for moderate Islam and will welcome people of all religions. Supporters are outraged that critics suspect the couple of an extremist agenda.

The developers for the project, called Park51, have modeled their plan on a YMCA and Jewish Community Center. The site, two blocks from where the World Trade Center stood, will include a pool, gym and 500-seat auditorium for cultural events for the general public, along with a mosque and a Sept. 11 memorial. Rauf is now traveling overseas on his latest speaking tour for the U.S. State Department.

Conteh said political realities have to be a factor in the decision.

“People are relating 9/11 and the Muslims who did that crime to the general population of Muslims,” she said. “I’m concerned about that. All Muslims are not like that. That was a crime against America and Muslims are part of America.

But, for those Muslims living outside New York City the controversy should be an opportunity to educate people about Islam, said Shabazz.

“No matter what the situation is — whether it’s an unpleasant one or a pleasant one — there is an opportunity for growth and development,” he said. “Too many people are unaware of what Islam means and what it actually stands for. Many have been given an impression that is false.”

The Koran condemns acts like 9/11, Shabazz said.

“In the Koran, God says that if you take a life unjustly it would be like taking the life of all mankind … there is no Islamic justification for suicide bombings or killings in any way whatsoever.”

The rift in the American Muslim community has become evident, as the debate over the mosque has dragged on.

“For most Americans, 9/11 remains as an open wound, and anything associated with Islam, even for Americans who want to understand Islam to have an Islamic center with so much publicity is like rubbing salt in open wounds,” said Akbar Ahmed, professor of Islamic studies at American University, a former Pakistani ambassador to Britain and author of “Journey Into America, The Challenge of Islam.” He said the space should include a synagogue and a church so it will truly be interfaith.

Abdul Cader Asmal, past president of the Islamic Council of New England, an umbrella group for more than 15 Islamic centers, said some opponents of the $100 million, 13-story project are indeed anti-Muslim. But he said many Americans have genuine, understandable questions about Islam and extremism.

In light of those fears, and the opposition of many relatives of 9/11 victims, Asmal said organizers should dramatically scale back the project to just a simple mosque, despite their legal right to construct what they want.

“Winning in the court of law is not going to help improve the image of Muslims nationwide,” said Asmal, a Massachusetts physician. “You have to win the hearts and minds of the ordinary American people.”

Asra Nomani, author of “Standing Alone: An American Woman’s Struggle for the Soul of Islam,” said she backs the idea of the mosque in principle but believes the feelings of families who lost loved ones in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks should trump the plan.

“I haven’t been able to support the building of the mosque right there in the location they’ve got,” said Nomani, an advocate for women’s rights and tolerance in the Muslim world.

Even among American Muslims who back the idea, there has been grumbling about what they consider the organizers’ public relations missteps. A plan to build what would essentially be a local city mosque has now turned into a national confrontation that is roiling Muslim communities nationwide. Rauf’s decision to remain overseas without making a statement on the controversy has also caused some frustration. Khan, and developer Sharif El-Gamal of SoHo Properties, which owns the building, have mostly been the public face of Park51.

“The total absence of Feisal Rauf has a ‘Where’s Waldo’ quality that is maddening in itself,” U.S. Muslim writer Aziz Poonawalla, who supports the center, told the blog ordinary-gentlemen.com. “I’m quite capable of defending Rauf against some of the accusations against him, but am not inclined to carry his water for him while he gallivants about the globe.”

Beyond misgivings about the location, some U.S. Muslims have raised concerns about what the mosque could become after Rauf and Khan retire and inevitably turn the center over to new leadership. Like houses of worship in all faiths, Islamic centers can change over time depending on the worldviews of congregants and the imams who lead them.

Nomani said American Muslims have not fully confronted extremism in Islam, which makes her worried that any mosque has the potential to become a haven for those with rigid views.

“Yes, there is prejudice against Muslims in the modern day, but also Muslims in the modern day have an extremist problem,” Nomani said.

Tawfik Hamid, an Egyptian scholar and reformer who said he was once a member of a terrorist group, said he had a “conditional objection” to the proposed Islamic center.

He said it was not enough for Park51 leaders to call themselves moderate. Instead, they should “clearly and unambiguously” reject radicalization by opposing specific extremist practices, such as killing apostates, stoning women for adultery, calling Jews “pigs and monkeys” and “declaring war” on non-Muslims who refuse to convert.

“This, in my view, will be perceived by radicals in Islam as a defeat for their ideology,” said Hamid, senior fellow at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. “They think in a very primitive way. If they see a mosque near ground zero, this would certainly be perceived as a sign of victory for al-Qaeda. In the end, they will think, ‘They are bowing to us.’”

Few American Muslims who lost relatives in the terrorist strikes have spoken out, but those who have are also divided.

Talat Hamdani, a Muslim whose son Salman, a New York police cadet and emergency medical technician, was killed on Sept. 11, supports the proposal. “I’m not fighting for a mosque. I’m fighting for my rights,” she said.

By contrast, Neda Bolourchi of Los Angeles, a native of Iran whose mother was on one of the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center, opposes the plan.

“I fear that over time, it will cultivate a fundamentalist version of the Muslim faith, embracing those who share such beliefs and hating those who do not,” she wrote in a Washington Post op-ed. “To the supporters of this new Islamic cultural center, I must ask: Build your ideological monument somewhere else, far from my mother’s grave, and let her rest.”

Debate is intensifying over the planned construction of an Islamic center and mosque two blocks from New York’s Ground Zero. But it is not just a local issue. Across the country, Muslim groups are facing attacks over plans to build new mosques. Democracy Now speaks to Daisy Khan of the American Society for Muslim Advancement, one of the main organizations behind the mosque project, and the wife of Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf; and Stephan Salisbury, cultural writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer and author of Mohamed’s Ghosts: An American Story of Love and Fear in the Homeland.

See video and listen to audio at: http://www.democracynow.org/

CAIR-PA wishes you and your family a prosperous Ramadan!

Muslims feel an immense sense of gratitude when welcoming this month. We are grateful for yet another opportunity to renew faith, constant practice and devotion to a life of seeking and establishing truth, justice and mutual understanding. May Allah bless all our fasts and prayers during this sanctified month.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said “He who does not thank people does not thank Allah.” Therefore, we would like to take the time to thank each of you for your continued support of our community organization, the Council on American-Islamic Relations Pennsylvania. CAIR-PA remains successful due to the dedication of your valuable time, talent and treasure.

Please make sure to participate in our Ramadan events and keep us in your prayers.

Please join us on Sunday, August 22, 2010 for our fourth annual Day of Dignity event brought to you by Islamic Relief USA and CAIR Philadelphia.

To volunteer, please email: phicarUSA@gmail.com

Please note that all volunteers are required to attend one volunteer orientation prior to the event. Orientations will take place on Sunday, August 15th at 11:00AM or Saturday, August 21st at 2:00PM.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Download Flyer

He along with 31 prominent Jewish leaders have signed a statement that supports the building of the mosque and cultural center and disagrees with ADL’s decision.

The Center makes its position clear on its website. “The Shalom Center, after consultations with a remarkable array of rabbis and other Jewish leaders from a broad spectrum of Jewish life, supports the building of the mosque and strongly disagrees with the ADL’s position.”

READ THE ENTIRE STATEMENT: http://www.theshalomcenter.org/node/1747

They have encouraged the public to join in calling ADL to ask them to reverse their decision. The statement also invites “Jews of goodwill” to gather August 5th at the mosque’s intended site to “join voices in a serious and devoted vigil”.

WATCH VIDEOS:
- Rabbi: Not all Muslims ‘tarred with terrorism’
- Anti-Defamation League Opposes Mosque
- Jewish Leaders Rally In Support Of WTC Mosque

EMAIL: Inquirer.Letters@phillynews.com
MAIL: Readers Editor, The Inquirer
P.O. Box 41705
Philadelphia, PA 19101
FAX: 215-854-4483

COMMENT ONLINE at the Inquirer Editorial Board.

Numerous CAIR supporters have written to the Inquirer, to CAIR-PA, or to both, voicing their support of America’s largest Muslim Civil Liberties Advocacy Organization:

“To the editor, Philadelphia Inquirer:

As a rabbi who has given 40 years of my life to strengthening and renewing Judaism and the Jewish people, I was proud to be honored by the upstanding Muslim Americans in Philadelphia CAIR and to speak at the same CAIR dinner when Congressman /Admiral Joe Sestak and Governor Ed Rendell spoke.

By announcing himself a “Jew for Sarah Palin,” Binyamin Korn defines his marginality to Jewish life.

He also makes clear the motive for his attempt to smear and libel CAIR and attack Congressman Sestak. It aims to promote the candidacy of a right-wing Republican – running against Congressman Sestak for Pennsylvania’s US Senate seat — whose policies are many miles distant from the views of a large majority of the Jewish community.

But political shenanigans are no excuse for slander — which is forbidden by Jewish law as well as universal ethics.”

Shalom,
Rabbi Arthur Waskow

–

Dear Editor,

I am saddened to see on the pages of the Philadelphia Inquirer a smearing campaign of CAIR, a fine civil rights organization (Benyamin Korn’s July 29, 2010 Op-ED, Group has ties to terrorism). Such campaigns spread hate fueled by unfounded fear and misinformation. Mr. Korn’s aim is no different from that of blogger Andrew Brietbart who maliciously accused USDA employee Sherrod of being racist by taking her comments out of context. They both twisted facts to serve a hidden agenda. CAIR aims to enhance understanding of Islam and builds coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. It advocates for all law-abiding, patriotic Muslim Americans who condemn all acts of terrorism irrespective of who conducts them. That’s why I and thousands of Muslims unapologetically continue to support this and other organizations like it. Let’s declare Philadelphia a hate-free zone. The Philadelphia Inquirer can start by refraining from letting its pages be a platform for the spread of hateful, smearing misinformation.

Ribhi Shawar, Ph.D.

–

Dear Editor,

As a reserve Air Force coloneI, I am appalled by the malicious article “Sestak and CAIR: Scandal or silly season?” written by Benyamin Korn, the director of Jewish Americans for Sarah Palin. There is no question in my mind that there has been an organized right-wing effort to defame Congressman Joe Sestak, a 31 year veteran of U.S. military ever since he defeated Senator Arlen Specter in the Democratic primaries.

Make no mistake, Jewish Americans for Sarah Palin belongs to the same neoconservative group because of which we are fighting an unnecessary and never ending war in Iraq at tax payers expense. Congressman Joe Sestak beat Senator Specter decisively because he is a true and patriotic American who has served our country honorably and who has reached out to all the minorities in Pennsylvania including American Muslims. CAIR is a civil rights organization and a primary platform by which American Muslims learn about and hear from elected officials and can be compared to Anti-Defamation League (ADL). CAIR fights Islamophobia just the way ADL fights anti-Semitism. I want to ask Mr. Korn, “what is wrong with that?”.

The 2007 CAIR event that Mr. Korn is talking about was also attended by Governor Ed Rendell and State Senator Andy Dinniman who are both very respectable Jewish Americans. I wonder why Mr Korn has no problem if prominent Jewish Americans attend CAIR functions but he would bash non-Jewish elected officials for attending the same event as in the case of Congressman Sestak? Most Americans will find this problematic!

Sincerely,

Mazhar Rishi

–

“CAIR. Do you know what this acronym stands for? Perhaps the Coalition of American Iguana Renters? Until a week ago, I would have probably believed that CAIR was indeed an organization of reptile enthusiasts. It was not until I stumbled upon the Commentary section of the July 27th, 2010 Inquirer, that I began to take interest in this association. As it turns out, CAIR stands to represent the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and, boy was somebody angry at Mr. Sestak for speaking to CAIR members. One Mr. Benyamin Korn painted CAIR with an ugly, ignorant, and naive brush-stroke as every American’s worst fear; a radical Islamic organization, here in Philadelphia, with ties to every known international terror association! It greatly upsets me that a US Senator’s appearance at a CAIR convention, to support a, hardworking, democratic organization, is being used three years later as a campaign smear, without any regards to what such negative publicity could do to an institute that is working to improve life for millions of Americans at HOME! Although CAIR-PA’s Exec. Director was given a short segment to refute Mr. Korn’s accusations; the average reader still misses the bigger picture of what CAIR is. “CAIR is an American organization, concerned about America and freedom of religion, not Israel or foreign conflicts” (http://pa.cair.com/news/response-to-korn/). Unfortunately, CAIR has become the next victim caught in the wave of political hatred that is sweeping across this country, and it is innocent AMERICAN Muslims, who need CAIR the most, who will suffer.”

Evan Studenmund

–

Dear Editor,

Jewish Americans for Sarah Palin attacked CAIR with nothing but internet disinformation that is easily refuted. I am a firm supporter of CAIR-PA because of the positive, professional, and ethical manner in which it serves Philadelphia. I reject the notion that any successful Muslim American organization is anti-Israel. In fact CAIR-Philadelphia consistently speaks out against anti-Semitism and other forms of prejudice. CAIR-Philadelphia is as well an outstanding participant in many interfaith organizations of the city and deserves and receives much respect for its work in bridging the Muslim community with the larger citizenry of our city.

With a thousand attendees, the CAIR-Philadelphia banquet is a cornerstone event for the Pennsylvania Muslim community, where individuals and families pledge donations and support for the largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization in America.

Pennsylvania Muslims also attend the CAIR-Philadelphia banquet to hear from elected officials and participate in democracy. It is clear that these attacks against CAIR are designed to sideline PA Muslims from participating in democracy. CAIR is a primary platform by which American Muslims learn about and hear from elected officials.

In its 16 year history of public advocacy, CAIR has not been charged with anything but professional American activism, and it has earned praise from countless elected officials and the interfaith community. CAIR has consistently condemned all forms of terrorism without pause.

Philadelphians who know CAIR-Philadelphia will not sit idly and watch how it is continually shunned publicly during election season or used as a political wedge for campaign mudslinging.

I encourage you to read the substantive and scholarly rebuttal of the CAIR-Philadelphia to Benjamin Korn’s malicious commentary at : http://pa.cair.com/rebuttal/

Sincerely,
Vic Compher
Philadelphia Citizen

–

To the Editor,

I write in response to the outrageous op-ed piece by Benyamin Korn (Phila Inq July 29, 2010) smearing CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) and Congressman Joe Sestak with connections to terrorism. By innuendos and speculations but no basis in fact.

As an American whose family was swept up by similar public prejudice during WWII into Arizona concentration camps, I’m appalled by Korn’s rhetoric. Jews, of course, were treated worse during Nazi Germany, but is it now time to heap scorn and trash another minority community here in America? The cudgel he uses is “un-indicted co-conspirator” to make unjustified connections of CAIR and Sestak with terrorism. Legal scholars (Ira P. Robbins) have pointed out that such identifications have no legal consequences but mostly negative social ones like injured reputations and lost jobs. In the 1970′s the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in U.S. v. Briggs criticised the naming of un-indicted co-conspirators as unjustified public branding and not protecting the innocent.

Congressman Sestak has served our country with distinction and integrity in appointed offices as well as in his currently elected one. As an honest voice for the 7th District, he has connected with all American communities, including CAIR, with fairness and trust. He can serve effectively and honorably as a U.S. Senator.

CAIR is an American organization committed to bridge the gap in understanding Islam in the U.S. and protecting the civil rights of Muslim-Americans. The Korn op-ed piece indicates that CAIR is now needed more than ever.

A H. Nishikawa

–

“The juxtaposition of the two opinion pieces was critical for a genuine understanding of just how the left wing and the right wing are so diametrically opposed on the issue of reaching compromise and balance in our relations with the Muslim world. It is not surprising that Mr. Korn is the director of Jewish Americans for Sarah Palin. His rhetoric is underscored by the inflammatory and divisive rhetoric of Palin and the Tea Party camp, who simply want to exploit the fears of the American people. Mr. Khawaja, on the other hand, as someone who is trying to strengthen American-Muslim relations, uses language that reinforces the belief that we should clearly denounce all acts of terrorism and, at the same time, make every effort to engage in a civil dialogue with the larger Muslim community. The choice is clear. We can either choose the hope espoused by the left or the fear proposed by the right.”

Peter McVeigh

–

“Dear Editor

I am pained by the tone of the article “Group has ties to terrorists “published in your daily on July 29, 2010. The allegations on CAIR are driven by personal motives. I have known this organization for years and can personally vouch for the honesty of their purpose and the transparency of their operations. There are greater challenges facing the human race today that need our collective time and energies. Finger pointing is self defeating, because remember, that when you point a finger at someone, you also point three fingers at yourself and one finger at God. It is like ignorant children quarrelling as to who owns the Moon or the Sun or whether the Sun is better than the Moon or vice versa.

Our inability to show tolerance is because we forget that we are all creations originating from one man called Adam (peace be upon him). Aren’t we all blood relations of one another? Then what are we fighting ourselves to destruction about?

Any right minded individual who wishes to learn more about God (not my God or your God but about the ONE God, the Creator Supreme) and His plan for the human race must read the Quran from cover to cover. Look no further; do not allow yourself to be misled by allegations and counter allegations. Do your own research. Be wise. Be an honest student of the book when you read it and let it open your heart and mind to reality.

The need of the hour is to join hands as Humans and work towards the common good; whether you are a politician looking to win an election or a Religious Organization working for the betterment of your community. As Benjamin Disraeli said circumstances may be beyond our control at times, but our conduct must be within our control.”

“Know then thyself; presume not God to scan, the proper study of mankind is man”

May God Almighty guide our hearts all together to peace and tranquility

Mohammed Jamaluddin
Coatesville

–

Dear Editor,

The Council on American – Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a civil rights advocacy organization that assists those of all faiths and backgrounds. CAIR advocates for equal employment rights, religious tolerance and accommodation, among other things. It is unfortunate that it needs to be clarified at all, but CAIR has never been affiliated with Hamas, or the Saudi government, and condemns terrorism in all forms.

America has a long history of defending the rights of its citizens; the protection of our civil liberties is one of the many things that has defined us as a nation. CAIR hopes to contribute to this vision by advocating on behalf of those who feel their rights have been infringed upon.

In this country we learn and legislate through debate. Productive debate, however, depends on there being diversity of opinion and more than one side to a conversation. CAIR endeavors to foster interfaith dialogue from which we all can gain better understanding; it’s advocacy model, based upon freedom and mutual respect, is the true American spirit.

Sincerely,

Lara SanPietro

–

Dear Editor,

I am a regular reader and supporter of Philadelphia Inquirer since 2005. I truly thank for your service for our community on behalf of it. However, the recent news about CAIR have seriously hurt me. I can’t believer how about my favorite news medium published a
propaganda against one of the best American Islamic advocacy organization (CAIR). I have seen the activities of CAIR since 2005,
and have found nothing that goes against the interest of American people.

Therefore, please stay away from publishing any controversial news and please do not be misguided by anyone or any group.

Hope to see the bright future of Philadelphia Inquirer. God Bless America.

Thank you,

Hasan Numan

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I read the side by side commentaries on the editorial page of the 7/29 Inquirer. I will try to be brief.

I personally told Joe Sestak at one of his appearances that I think he did the right thing in speaking to CAIR. Only through communication can differences be resolved.

I have followed the Israeli/Palestinian issue since before the day that I watched Jews dance in the streets in 1947 when the partition vote went in favor of the establishment of a Jewish state. In the 60+ years since then I have read many books by both sides and find the comment by Israeli “dove” Uri Avenari the most insightful. He said, ”It is not a dispute between right and wrong but between right and right”. To focus on minor events or who did what to whom first is non-productive.

The following that I wrote was published in the local newspaper-

One of the pasengers on the ship that the Israelis boarded had a sign that read “Free all Palestine”. I have but one question to ask of the Palestinian people, all Islamic nations and other concerned people of the world. Namely, what conditions must be met for you to accept a Jewish state of Israel as legitimate, existing in tranquility and security within agreed upon borders? Until this question is answered, there is no hope for peace nor any reason for negotiations.

After reading it a representative of the Zionist Organization of America called me on the phone thanking me for my comments and when I told him that I have great sympathy for the Palestinian plight he became incredulous.

It is no more just for Jews to want the land “from the sea to the river” than for Palestinians to call for the same thing.
For a Palestinian to hold a key to a home in Lydda and demand to be allowed to return to it when the land is now a runway of Ben Gurion Airport does nothing in easing the pain for all concerned.

Avenari is right.

And I repeat, until the Palestinian side recognizes the existence of Israel and answers the question as to what conditions must be met for peace, short of the destruction of the Jewish state there is no hope for peace. How can the Palestinians talk with someone whose very existence they deny?

Mel

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Editorial in the Philadelphia Inquirer:

Editorial: Political ads shouldn’t skirt the truth

Comcast has been asked to reconsider airing an ad that questions Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Joe Sestak’s support of Israel. “Sestak’s Record” is the title of the ad produced by Weekly Standard editor William Kristol’s new pro-Israel group, the Emergency Committee for Israel. Sestak has denied allegations made in the commercial, and has tried to persuade Comcast to take the ad down.
Among the claims made by Kristol’s ad is that Sestak “raised money for an anti-Israel organization that the FBI called a front group for Hamas.” But as the Jewish Exponent reported, Sestak did not raise funds for the Council on American-Islamic Relations. In fact, he made sure a speech he gave at a CAIR event occurred before its fund-raising segment began. Moreover, this speech was given in 2007. That was before the FBI made allegations about CAIR, which, by the way, is not accused of participating in terrorism. Sestak admitted at the time that it would be risky to speak at the event, but the congressman said it was his duty to reach out to all groups.

Political-ad producers should be more diligent about presenting the facts. Sestak’s stance on Israel has indeed come under fire by some pro-Israel activists in the past, but the “Sestak’s Record” ad does not paint an accurate portrait of the congressman’s record. Cable and broadcast outlets, as well as newspapers, should be scrupulous about not presenting false advertisements that do a disservice to voters…