(Philadelphia, 5/8/07) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations-Pennsylvania (CAIR-PA) today applauded efforts by federal law enforcement authorities that apparently thwarted a planned attack on Fort Dix in New Jersey.
In a statement, Iftekhar Hussain, CAIR-PA Chair said:
“Based on the information gathered in this case, it seems clear that a potentially deadly attack has been averted. We applaud the FBI for its efforts and repeat the American Muslim community’s condemnation and repudiation of all those who would plan or carry out acts of terror while falsely claiming their actions have religious justification.
“We continue to urge American Muslims to be vigilant in reporting any suspected criminal activities that could harm the safety and security of our nation.”
CAIR-PA also requested that media outlets and public officials refrain from linking this case to the faith of Islam. The council asked mosques and Islamic institutions in Pennsylvania to report any incidents of anti-Muslim backlash.
SEE: CAIR Pennsylvania Muslim Community Safety Kit
Along with innumerable condemnations of terror, CAIR has in the past launched an online petition drive called “Not in the Name of Islam,” initiated a television public service announcement campaign of that same name and coordinated a “fatwa,” or Islamic religious ruling, against terrorism and religious extremism.
SEE: CAIR Launches ‘Not in the Name of Islam’ Petition Drive
http://www.cair.com/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=1071&theType=NR
SEE: CAIR Anti-Terror PSA
http://cair.com/video/psa.ram
SEE: CAIR Backs Fatwa Against Terror
http://www.cair.com/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=1675&theType=NR
CAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 32 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.
– END –