A heartfelt thanks to all those that responded to our action alert urging the public to reject the smearing of CAIR-PA in the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Council on American-Islamic Relations Pennsylvania (CAIR-PA) represents you, and you have shown that defamation of any kind will not be tolerated. Although the Inquirer can’t publish all the letters, we encourage you to continue to write and/or make comments on the online section.
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.
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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
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“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” (https://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
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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 : https://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
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“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
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“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
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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…
